Kala Bagh Dam project vital for Pakistan’s future, says CM Gandapur
Speaking to the media after a party meeting at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad, Gandapur said Pakistan has suffered immense destruction from floods and heavy rains because of the absence of large water reservoirs. He noted that while some leaders avoid even mentioning certain dams due to political sensitivities, it is time to move forward with dialogue and remove concerns surrounding the project.
“The Kala Bagh Dam project is a necessity for the state. If there are reservations, they must be addressed through discussion. Our province is ready to contribute its share, and we expect other provinces to do the same so that construction can finally begin,” he emphasized.
The chief minister pointed out that unnecessary delays in building dams have already caused huge losses, but the provincial government is now moving ahead with its own initiatives. He highlighted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa completed six dams last year, including Gomal Zam, which has significantly reduced flood damage in the region.
Detailing future plans, Gandapur said the provincial government is constructing Jabba Dam for the protection of Peshawar, along with a protective wall at Budhni to safeguard the city from floods. He added that cloudbursts, like the recent one in Buner, are natural weather events linked to rising temperatures, not deforestation. To counter landslides and flooding, the province is also working on installing protective nets modeled after Switzerland’s system.
Gandapur concluded by calling for urgent national action, noting that Pakistan cannot afford more delays in water management and disaster prevention. “We must think beyond politics and work collectively for the country’s survival,” he said.