WAPDA starts five dams construction after years halt
Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), after a hiatus, has started working on five dams-cum-hydro power projects besides building two mega-dams, Mohmand and Diamer Basha to meet the country’s growing water needs.
Sources told APP that the under-construction hydropower projects included Dasu, Keyal Khwar, Kurram Tangi, Warsak power, and Mangla rehabilitation initiatives.
Similarly, they said currently scores of hydropower projects were under the operation of WAPDA which was providing thousands of megawatt cheap hydel electricity to the national grid.
The projects which were currently under operation included Kurram Garhi Hydropower, Chitral Hydropower, Dubar Khwar, Golen Gol, Tarbela, Tarbela 4th Extension, Mangla, Neelum Jhelum, Ghazi Barotha, Jinnah, Rasul, Chashma, Dargai,Khan Khwar, Allai Khwar, Satapara, Renala, Shadiwal, and Chichoki hydropower schemes.
Moreover, the future hydro power projects intended to enhance water storage capacity and power generation were Akhori Dam, Basho Hydro power, Chitral Power Enhancement, Hingol Dam project, Lower Palas Valley, Lower Spat Gahm Middle Palas Valley hydro-power, Murunji Dam project, Patan, Tank Zam Project, Shyol Dam, Tungas hydro power, Upper Palas Valley Hydro power, Upper Spat Gah Hydro power and Yulbo hydro power projects.
The hydro power projects were suitable and economic sources of generating emission less power that was enabling the country’s energy mix to become both environments friendly and self-sufficient.
Moreover, the water experts and environmentalists have urged the government to increase the share of clean and environment friendly energy projects to increase the country’s water storage capacity, emissions less energy, green jobs for local communities and ensure climate resilience of the country.