Need of dams

Some 63 years of independence has passed but the government of Pakistan is still unable to utilise its resources. Although Pakistan is rich in mineral resources but the people are far away from their basic requirements such as electricity and water. We have so much of coal reserves that we can fulfil our energy requirement for over 100 years. We can make electricity by the use of coal. The second basic problem of Pakistan is water. Pakistan is unable to make dams as compared to India. India has completed 40 dams on river Jhelum and Chenab. Out of which four large and 16 small have become operational. India is building world’s third largest dam named Kargil on river Sindh.

Pakistan is highly dependent on agriculture which in turn is dependent on water. The Kalabagh dam will generate largest amount of electricity. Originally it was to start in 1985.

In 2007 it was decided that it will be made but due to the assassination of Benazir Bhutto it delayed. Kalabagh will have an installed capacity of 2400 MW initially and 3600 MW ultimately. Pakistan’s Water & Power Development Authority estimates that annual electricity generated at Kalabagh will be 20 million barrels of oil equivalent, saving fuel that would otherwise be needed to produce thermal power.

The problem of water will be solved only when the decision makers forget their personal interest and think for Pakistan. We have so much of the resources that we don’t have to beg from other countries but in my opinion the problem got out of control due to corruption.

MALIHA FATIMA SAEED

Karachi