SC directs govt to submit time frame for Nai Gaj Dam completion

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–CJP tells federal ministers Faisal Vawda, Khusro Bakhtyar and Asad Umar court won’t tolerate delay in construction of water reservoirs 

 

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Friday directed three federal ministers to submit a time-frame for the construction of the Nai Gaj Dam project.

Federal Minister for Water Resources Faisal Vawda and Minister for Planning and Development Khusro Bakhtyar on Friday appeared before the Supreme Court over Nai Gaj Dam construction case.

The bench had summoned Vawda, Bakhtyar and Finance Minister Asad Umar in the case.

A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar heard the case regarding lack of funding for the construction of the dam, which has delayed the completion of the project.

CJP Nisar observed that issues remain unresolved if the court does not intervene.

Bakhtyar informed the bench that the government of Sindh has reservations over Manchhar Lake.

“Bhasha and Mohmand dams are our priority. We are offering special attention to development of water resources,” Bakhtyar said.

The CJP directed the government to take all stakeholders on-board and warned that any delay in water and health related issues will not be tolerated.

Previously, the petitioner had informed the bench that the PC-1 for the construction of Nai Gaj Dam has been submitted but funds for the project are not being released.

The Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC) has yet to grant approval of the project.

In September, the top court had accepted a petition regarding construction of the dam.