ISLAMABAD: Implementation Committee of Diamer-Basha and Mohmand Dams (ICDBMD)/Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Chairman Lt Gen Muzammil Hussain (r) called on the Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar here at Supreme Court on Thursday.
He presented him the comprehensive report of the ICDBMD for early commencement and timely completion of the two vital multi-purpose projects namely Diamer-Basha Dam and Mohmand Dams with cumulative gross water storage capacity of 9.3 million acre-feet (MAF) and electricity generation capacity of 5300 megawatts (MW).
The ICDBMD report encompasses issues relating to the construction of the two projects, recommendations to overcome the impediments and the strategy to be adopted for initiation of work on Mohmand and Diamer-Basha Dams as soon as possible.
The issues identified and the recommendation made by the seven Sub-Committees of ICDBMD pertain to land acquisition, resettlement of the projects’ affectees, development works in the projects’ area as confidence-building measures (CBMs) for socio-economic uplift of the local populace, procurement of consultancy services and construction works, financing of the projects and security in projects’ areas.
It is pertinent to mention that the Supreme Court, in its historic judgment of July 4, 2018, constituted the ICDBMD for early commencement and timely completion of Diamer-Basha and Mohmand Dams.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Justice said that the availability of water is the fundamental right of every citizen and crucial for the survival and well-being of the people of Pakistan.
He further said that per capita water availability in Pakistan is declining rapidly, which needs to be improved with the construction of dams and good governance in the water sector.
He appreciated the progress achieved so far by the ICDBMD, adding that the Supreme Court would keep monitoring the progress vis-à-vis construction of the two projects.
He also commended the spirit of the people in the country for construction of dams as they have been generously making donations to the Supreme Courts Fund for Dams.
Earlier, ICDBMD/WAPDA Chairman briefed that the Implementation Committee is determined to implement the task assigned to it by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
He assured the Chief Justice that ICDBMD would continue to take all measures for early commencement and timely completion of both Diamer-Basha and Mohmand Dams.
