WAPDA’s Dams Committee Reviews Land Acquisition, Resettlement of Diamer Basha Dam

“It is important to note that the ICDBMD was constituted by the Honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan in July 2018 for early commencement and timely completion of Diamer Basha and Mohmand Dams. Since then, the Committee holds its meetings with regular intervals”,  WAPDA’s Media & Public Relations Division, said in an official statement released to the media here on  Tuesday.

 It was the 8th meeting, which was presided over by ICDBMD/WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen Muhammad Saeed (Retd). The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan, Joint Secretary (Budget) Finance Division, Senior Member Board of Revenue Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Additional Secretary Ministry of Water Resources, Secretary (P&D) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Deputy Secretary (EA) Prime Minister’s Office, Chief Water (PD & SI), Commissioner Hazara Division, Commissioner Diamer Astore Division, Member (Water) WAPDA, Secretary WAPDA, GM/PD Diamer Basha Dam Project,

GM (Land Acquisition & Resettlement) WAPDA, GM/PD Mohmand Dam Project, Deputy Commissioner Diamer and others officers concerned. Chairman Ulama Committee Moulana Hazrat Ullah also participated in the meeting.

During the meeting, the Commissioner Diamer Astore briefed the Committee about compliance of the decisions made during the previous meeting; and the issues relating to the affectees’ compensation particularly ‘Missing and Double Chula (Household) Package’.

Later, the GM (Land Acquisition and Resettlement) WAPDA apprised the Committee about the issues of the leftover land, mutation of land, Ginni Pozzolan, Tangir Hydropower Project and the boundary dispute along the right bank of River Indus. Progress on ‘the 2025 Agreement’ reached between the Federal Government and Diamer Ulama Committee was also discussed during the meeting.

Addressing the meeting, the Chairman thanked the participants for their views and input for resolving the issues of land acquisition and payment of compensation to the affectees. Underlining the significance of Diamer Basha Dam Project for water, food and energy security of Pakistan, the Chairman emphasized upon completion of the Project without further delay. He was of the view that all stakeholders have to play their due role in this regard. The Chairman reiterated that WAPDA stands committed to implementing ‘the 2025 Agreement’ in letter and spirit, however, it is also imperative for the locals to help ensure smooth execution of Diamer Basha Dam Project with no hindrances in construction activities at the sites. He also urged GB administration to help fast-track the land acquisition and related processes. He asked the locals to become a stakeholder and facilitate in timely completion of the project. He urged the representatives of ‘Haqooq Do Dam Banao Committee’ to educate the people on long term benefits of the project, and instead of causing delay in its execution, should get into a long term and enduring partnership for its allied benefits.

It is worth mentioning that Diamer Basha Dam is a mega, multipurpose project being constructed across River Indus. On completion, it will store 8.1 MAF of water and generate 4500 MW clean, green and affordable electricity to stabilize the national economy.