Omar1984
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By Ijaz Kakakhel
ISLAMABAD: To ensure irrigation of 41729 acres of land in FATA and to generate 5.8 MW much needed electricity, the government plans to construct Bara Multipurpose Project Khyber Agency FATA.
The scheme would cost the government Rs 20.651 billion through Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). The project was located in Khyber Agency FATA on Bara River. The propose dam axis was located about one km downstream of the confluence of Bara River with Mastura River and 3.07 km upstream of the diversion weir of Bara River Canals Scheme (BRCS). The reservoir of the propose dam extends both in Bara and Mastura valleys.
The project is expected to meet the irrigation needs of 41729 acres of cultivable command area, assures releases in the river to meet the water supply needs of Peshawar Cantonment and industrial units dependent on the river water. It will also produce 5400 million gallon per year of treated water to meet the drinking water needs of adjoining areas of FATA and Peshawar. In addition, with the project development, flood damages along the downstream reaches of Bara River will be avoided. A powerhouse is proposed at the outlet having a capacity of 4.8 MW and another of 1 MW.
The project envisages construction of an earth core fill dam, as being the most economical and technically viable option considering the site-specific conditions. The recommended site for dam construction is located just downstream of the confluence of Bara and Mastura rivers about 3.7 km upstream of the existing weir (locally known as Sapera Dam). The dead storage capacity of 22929 acre-ft is provided, which is sufficient for 35 year.
According to the working paper obtained by Daily Times reveals that the about 50% of the live storage would be lost in about 65 years. Overall life of the reservoir is envisaged to be about 100 years. The design life of the dam is more than 50 years.
The working paper further reveals that the economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR) is 19.08 percent, which exceeds 12 percent opportunity cost of capital in Pakistan presently being used by Planning and Development Division, Islamabad. With the completion of the project, the government would be able to develop 155 tons of fish as well as to control the flash flood.
The government has earmarked an amount of Rs.200 million in the PSDP 2009-10. The Special Central Development Working Party (CDWP) on 17th of this month already approved the project and the ECNEC likely to approve in its meeting scheduled to meet in August 2009.
The construction of Bara Dam is endorsed in the context of national Strategy to harness flood waters for irrigation and other purpose through construction of small dams and is one of the Prime Ministers Programme of Small/Medium dams in the country. Prime Minister has also desired the quick response on implementation of this project on fast track basis for completion of the project in stipulate time period.
Water and Power Development Authority and Fata Development Authority are the sponsoring agency for the project and WAPDA is the executing agency.
