GSP head opposes Bhasha Dam on ‘technical grounds’

Director General Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) Dr Imran Ahmed Khan has opposed the construction of upstream mega projects like Bhasha dam on Tarbela that is located in zone-4 that is vulnerable to severe earthquakes.
DG GSP made these remarks while briefing the Senate standing committee on Petroleum and Natural resources with Senator Muhammad Yousaf in the chair.
The DG said that it is feared that in future an earthquake with magnitude of 9 may hit the zone-4 where Tarbela dam is located and another big reservoir over the dam will be affected due to it and Tarbela dam would also be on stake. He said that construction of water reservoir like Bhasha Dam in the area may result into another severe incident like Attabad Lake case.
He said during last few decades eight severe earthquakes erupted in this area therefore major reservoirs should not be constructed in this area. The DG said that Gwadar port is also located in the zone-4 where billion of rupees are being invested. He said that Geological Survey of Pakistan has conveyed the authorities about it and opposed the construction of Sighar houses in Gawadar but no one took notice so far.
Standing Committee recommended him to submit that report before the committee. Committee said if Bhasha dam is located in zone-4 is vulnerable to natural calamities then why India is constructing dams and International donors are providing financial aid for it? The DG GSP failed to satisfy the queries of the legislatures in this regard.
DG further added that seismic hazards that destroyed the Taxila civilizations are present in the Margalla Hills that may cause destruction in capital in future.
Briefing about Rekodiq landmine in Balochistan, Dr Khan apprised the committee that this landmine is worth trillions of dollars and most precious gemstones in the world are present in this mine. He said that total reserves in this mine are more than five billion tones.
Legislative body directed him to give complete report regarding layer of Rekodiq in the province. At this occasion, DG announced that after next fifteen to twenty days a pilot project of days 8 megawatt located in Thar coal would be operation and if it will succeed then coal culture would further develop in the country.
Standing committee showed concerns over the performance of the department and said that monthly expenses of the department are Rs 250 million while no output has been seen. Chairman of the committee Senator Muhammad Yousaf said that this department has been failed to deliver therefore it should be closed. DG geological survey of Pakistan informed the committee that in Arsenic is present in few villages of KPK and Punjab and 83% of population of these areas is vulnerable to cancer and other severe diseases.