–SC asks parties involved to define boundaries
LAHORE: In compliance of the Supreme Court’s decision for the timely completion of Diamer-Basha and Mohmand Dams, Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Chairman Lt Gen (r) Muzammil Hussain informed in a briefing that the procurement of consultancy services and other main works was being done on war footing whereas the construction of both dams would start in 2019.
In a briefing to the Federal Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Faisal Vawda on Monday, the WAPDA chairman highlighted the factors leading to the threatening water emergency and crisis in Pakistan and said that there was a dire need to make efforts towards addressing the issue of water shortage in the country and the construction of dams. He added that the construction of new dams and adopting efficient water management means was the only way forward through which Pakistan could be saved from this disaster in the future.
The WAPDA chairman also informed the federal minister about the ongoing water and hydropower projects, including the Dasu and Keyal Khwar Hydropower Project, Kurram Tangi Dam, Nai Gaj Dam and few others whereas a review of the ready for construction projects including Kachhi Canal Phase-II and III, Kurram Tangi Dam, Tarbela 5th Extension, Harpo and Bunji Hydropower projects was also presented in the briefing.
During the briefing the federal minister highlighted the importance and need of developing the water and hydropower resources for economic development and social uplift of the country whereas he mentioned that the present government was committed to constructing water and hydropower projects in order to improve water availability for domestic, industrial and agricultural sectors while adding low-cost hydel electricity to the national grid.
The federal minister, during the briefing in the Islamabad Camp Office, conveyed his satisfaction over the present projects and remarked that WAPDA needed to work with dedication to meet the timely completion of the project for the welfare of Pakistan.
SC ASKS PARTIES INVOLVED TO DEFINE BOUNDARIES:
Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Monday issued notices to all the parties involved in determining the boundaries of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).
The case that was being heard at the Supreme Court headed by CJP Nisar considered how to determine the boundaries of the said dam as GB, despite being a vital part of the project — does not legally constitute a part of Pakistan.
As the hearing went underway, CJP Nisar asked the deputy attorney general (DAG) of GB, who appeared before the court as to why the matter was not being resolved through talks.
“According to Article 1 of the Constitution, it did not determine the boundaries of GB and the region did not fall under Pakistan’s boundaries,” the attorney general responded, further clarifying that the GB government had no objections to the dam construction.
The attorney general further stated that “due to the constitutional limitation, the issue of royalties had also risen,” adding that “the SC’s jurisdiction did not extend to GB”.
CJP Nisar, however, dismissed the last point, saying that GB had “complete right over Pakistan” and added, “Who will listen to this case if not the SC? Will an international forum decide this matter?”
Justice Ejazul Ahsan then stated that the main issue as of now is that of royalties. He said that “one of the turbines of the dam would be installed in GB and another in KP”.
Justice Nisar said that “GB could challenge the matter of royalties in SC.”
Following this the apex court issued notices to all parties of the case, including the governments of GB, KP and the Centre, ordering them to submit a response on the matter within 15 days.
The total land required for the project is 37,419 acres which included 19,062 acres of state and 18,357 acres of private land under cultivation, barren and other uses. Out of the total private land, 14, 325 acres have already been transferred to the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority. This will further displace 30,350 people living in 4,266 households of 32 villages, situated above the dam site on both left and right banks of Indus River.
