Pakistan's Energy & Water - News and Updates

[Omar1984]

Rs101b scheme: Gilani inaugurates Mangla Dam expansion project

The premier also opens Dhan Galli Bridge which is named after him. PHOTO: PPI/FILE



MIRPUR, AJK:
Pakistan witnessed a major breakthrough in the energy and irrigation sector after Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani inaugurated on Thursday the Rs101 billion Mangla Dam height raising project, aimed at significantly increasing the country’s water storage and electricity generation.

The inauguration for the dam, situated in Mirpur district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), was held at the Mangla Fort under the auspices of the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda), in coordination with the AJK government. Construction work on the mega project kicked off after a ground-breaking ceremony on September 30, 2002 under then president Pervez Musharraf.

At the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Gilani said the project would usher in a new era of progress and prosperity in the country which, he added, would not only lead to bringing about a green revolution in the country, but would also raise the power generation capacity through the 1,000-megawatt (MW) Mangla Dam powerhouse by adding an additional 664 gigawatt hour (GWh) of power in the national grid, besides enhancing the water storage capacity in the reservoir.

Minister for Kashmir Affairs Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Sardar Mohammad Yaqoob Khan and Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Abdul Majeed were among those who attended the ceremony.

The project will lead to an annual 14 per cent rise in power generation capacity, besides meeting the current 20 per cent reduced water storage capacity in the reservoir, Wapda officials told The Express Tribune.

They added that the Mangla Dam raising project would lead to economic progress and development in Pakistan and AJK. The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government, they said, has started receiving billions of rupees in royalty annually for the dam.

Dhan Galli Bridge named after Gilani

While in Mirpur district, Prime Minister Gilani also inaugurated the Rs1,012 million Dhani Galli Bridge on River Jhelum, linking Punjab with AJK.

As a gesture of Kashmiris’ deep-rooted love for Pakistan, AJK authorities named the region’s largest bridge Bab-e-Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, in honour of the prime minister.

Wapda constructed the Dhan Galli Bridge across River Jhelum in the upper reaches of Mangla Dam Reservoir, about 80 metres downstream of the existing suspension bridge.

It is 45 kilometres from Rawat and Islamabad, Dadyal Road. The bridge will provide an all-weather and all-traffic facility between Dadyal and Rawalpindi/Islamabad.

Chinese construction companies M/s China International Water and Electric Corporation (CWE) and China Railway First Group (CRFG) constructed the bridge under a joint venture, sources revealed.

With the construction of the bridge, not only has the distance between Islamabad and Dadyal, AJK been reduced by 125 kilometres, but a minimum of two to three hours in travel time will also be reduced.

Wapda undertook the construction of Dhan Galli Bridge in November 2008, under the Mangla Dam Raising Project. The bridge measures 1,116 feet in length, and with a roadway width of 28 feet, it can accommodate two lanes.

The construction of the bridge is another major aspect of the agreement signed between the governments of Pakistan and AJK over the Mangla Dam Raising project

Allocation of funds

Over Rs66 billion was allocated in terms of compensation for the population of 118 villages that were affected due to the raising of the dam.

Some Rs5 billion have been allocated towards a greater water supply and sewerage project in Mirpur, whereas five adjoining hamlets have also been launched

Hitting back at the PML-N

During his address in Mirpur district, Prime Minister Gilani said the public should pay no heed to the ongoing “anti-government propaganda” unleashed by the opposition.

Without naming the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leadership, the prime minister said that those criticising the “people-friendly policies” of the incumbents, had done nothing for the betterment of the nation themselves, despite being in power in the past.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 14th, 2011



Rs101b scheme: Gilani inaugurates Mangla Dam expansion project – The Express Tribune

 

[Omar1984]

Boundary row over Diamer-Bhasha Dam: Wapda proposes splitting royalties

The Daimer Bhasha dam would provide enough electricity to end Pakistan’s crippling shortages. PHOTO: APP


ISLAMABAD: As the boundary dispute between Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa threatens to derail the Diamer-Bhasha dam-building project, the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) has come up with a plan that would evenly split the royalties earned from the hydroelectric power generation at the dam between the two provinces.

Wapda officials hope that the new plan – which would set up six power generation units each in K-P and G-B – will avert the escalation of a dispute that has already seen the inauguration date of construction on the dam pushed back twice, first from May 24 to June 7 and now to October 18.

On Saturday, Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Mehdi Shah said that his province “would not budge an inch” on the boundary dispute. Gilgit’s claims would advantage the newly-created province in claims over the royalties from power generation.

(Read: Shandur, Diamer-Bhasha Dam: G-B unrelenting on boundary dispute)

Wapda’s new plan modifies its old one that had decided to place more power generation units in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The dam is expected to have an installed power generation capacity of 2,250 megawatts.

The boundary dispute, however, is not the only issue plaguing the $12 billion project. International lenders have not yet arranged for the funds necessary for the project, despite several of them agreeing in principle to financing the dam.

(Read: ADB considers options to finance Diamer-Bhasha Dam)

The Asian Development Bank, in particular, had pledged that it would even act as the government’s investment banker in raising the money from international capital markets. The United States government had also suggested that it would be open to providing funding for the dam. The problems facing the project have caused a delay of almost four years. Diamer-Bhasha was originally meant to be completed by 2017, but now will likely be finished in 2021. The dam is expected to generate approximately 19,208 gigawatt-hours of electricity, about 1,100 gigwatt-hours of which will be through an expansion at the Tarbela dam.

Meanwhile, residents of Kohistan district in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa started protesting on Friday at what they perceive to be a low compensation rate that the government promised to pay them in exchange for moving from the dam’s proposed flood plain. Following the protests, Wapda agreed to increase the amount from Rs92 million to Rs262 million. A ministerial committee, constituted by Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, had already signed an out-of-court settlement with the approximately 28,650 people in 31 villages affected by the construction of the Diamer -Bhasha dam, offering Rs40 billion in compensation.

The committee, however, failed to resolve the boundary dispute and instead sent it to the Supreme Court, asking them to form a judicial commission to decide on the matter.

About 94 kilometres of the Karakoram Highway will also need to be rebuilt on higher ground after the dam is constructed.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 17th, 2011.



Boundary row over Diamer-Bhasha Dam: Wapda proposes splitting royalties – The Express Tribune

 

[Jango]

Why are provinces fighting over it?

It is not like a other country is making a dam!!!

This is a major problem, putting provincialism in front of nationalism.

 

[Omar1984]

Diamer-Bhasha Dam, a glorious day in history of Pakistan: Firdous

ISLAMABAD, Oct 18 (APP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan congratulated the people on the inauguration of Diamer Bhasha Dam on Tuesday and said this would go down as a glorious day in the history of Pakistan.Talking to Pakistan Television (PTV), she said that the Diamer Bhasha Dam would help resolve the electricity crisis besides boosting the industrial production in the country.The minister said that Diamer Bhasha Dam would provide adequate power for the next 20 years.

Replying to a question she said that the dam would assist the efforts to eradicate poverty from the region.

She said that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) always writes a golden chapter of history whenever it gets elected to form government in the country..

The vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto had always shown the way for the masses and the Government of the People’s Party to follow .

The information minister said the government had removed all the hurdles that had stood in the way of building Diamer-Bhasha Dam.

She said adequate compensation would be paid to the owners whose land had been taken over for raising the project.

Dr.Firdous thanked Asian Development Bank(ADB) and other international donors for assuring to assist in building the mega project.

She praised the efforts of Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) for working hard to prepare a feasibility report on the project.



Associated Press Of Pakistan ( Pakistan's Premier NEWS Agency )

 

[Omar1984]

Construction work on Pakistan's highest dam starts

Islamabad, Oct 19, IRNA – Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani Tuesday inaugurated construction work of the $14 billion world’s highest Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) multi-purpose dam in the country’s northern areas.

The Diamer-Bhasha Dam will be having a designed live water storage capacity of about 6.4 Million Acre Feet (MAF) and power generation capacity of 4,500MW, officials said.

The Dam in the Gilgit-Baltistan's Diamer District, the third largest water reservoir in the country, would help resolve energy crisis, enhance agriculture products, besides water storage capacity, they said.

The Prime Minister Gilani told the foundation laying ceremony near the dam site that the project will play a key role in meeting the energy requirements and will create job opportunities to the people of the backward northern areas. He said that the dam should have been built earlier in view of the fast growing energy needs.

Officials say that that the construction would take 12 years to complete.

Officials said that United States has pledged $2 billion and Asian Development Bank would grant $5 billion for the project. They said that negotiations with other international funding agencies are also underway to get loan for the project.

Pakistan currently faces a power shortfall of nearly 5000 MW and is observing long power outage, which has badly affected the country’s business community and general public. The government introduced a controversial 2-day weekly off from October 15 to save energy but two out of four provinces and traders have opposed the decision.

Pakistan is also negotiating with Iran for 1000 MW electricity to meet the need, officials say.

The Diamer-Bhasha Dam is located on Indus River, about 315 km upstream of the country’s biggest hydro Tarbela Dam, in the northwest Khyber Pakhtoonkha province. After construction of the dam, the life of Tarbela Dam would be enhanced by 35 years while the cost of project would be recovered in eight years.

The dam would have a maximum height of 270 meters, and impound a reservoir of about 7,500,000 acre feet. Diamer project would cover an area of 110 km and extend 100 km upstream of the dam site up to Raikot Bridge on Karakoram Highway, connecting Pakistan with China.


http://www.irna.ir/ENNewsShow.aspx?NID=30619294&SRCH=1

 

[Hyde]

Diamer-Bhasha Dam, a glorious day in history of Pakistan: Firdous

ISLAMABAD, Oct 18 (APP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan congratulated the people on the inauguration of Diamer Bhasha Dam on Tuesday and said this would go down as a glorious day in the history of Pakistan.Talking to Pakistan Television (PTV), she said that the Diamer Bhasha Dam would help resolve the electricity crisis besides boosting the industrial production in the country.The minister said that Diamer Bhasha Dam would provide adequate power for the next 20 years.

Yeh aunty type aurat ko ghar beth ke bachay sambhalne chahiye. I have never heard anything logical from her

 

[Omar1984]

Diamer-Bhasha Dam: KKH reopens after three-day blockade

The Karakoram Highway is 800 miles of mountain road connecting Pakistan with China across some of the tallest mountains in the world. PHOTO: FILE (FLICKR/ BLU SKY)

DASU: Protesting villagers from Kohistan agreed to reopen the Karakoram Highway (KKH) on Monday, following an agreement between the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) chairman and locals affected by the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam.

Over 1,000 villagers from Dasu and adjoining areas had blocked the KKH at the Harban Nala Bridge since Friday, demanding the immediate payment of compensation for the 162.5-acre of land acquired for the construction of the dam.

Wapda had acquired the land in 2006 for a residential colony of workers associated with the project and had promised to pay Rs262 million in compensation to the land owners.

However, according to MPA Abdul Sattar Khan, despite repeated requests Wapda had failed to clear the dues.

Infuriated over what they said were ‘delaying tactics’, villagers blocked the KKH on Friday in protest, suspending traffic for three days.

Hazara Division Commissioner Khalid Umerzai told The Express Tribune that Wapda had transferred Rs90 million out of a total amount of Rs262 million into the commissioner office’s account, and added that the remaining sum would be transferred after November 15.

However, the district administration, through a committee of local elders, entered into an agreement with the protesters. The agreement was signed by Wapda Chairman Shakeel Durrani Sunday night in Chilas.

According to the agreement, the local administration will begin the payment of compensation to the affected villagers from next week. Additionally, a five per cent royalty of the dam will be allocated for the development of Kohistan.

Furthermore, the construction of a residential colony and establishment of schools, colleges, roads and skills development centres for the villagers are also part of the agreement.

The chairman, however, did not promise the provision of free electricity to the villagers but assured to take up the matter with the federal government.

He also assured to hold a meeting of the Boundary Commission to resolve the issue of the disputed land.

Zardari to inaugurate Diamer-Bhasha Dam today

President Asif Ali Zardari is set to inaugurate the Diamer-Bhasha Dam today in Chilas of Diamer district.

Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Mehdi Shah and other top civil and military officials of the region will take part in the ceremony.

According to the scheduled plan, President Zardari will fly to the dam site before inaugurating the project, believed to be vital for Pakistan, which currently is experiencing the worst form of power crisis.

With an estimated cost of $11.2 billion, the dam will be completed in eight years. (WITH ADDITONAL REPORTING BY SHABBIR MIR IN GILGIT)


Published in The Express Tribune, October 18th, 2011.




Diamer-Bhasha Dam: KKH reopens after three-day blockade – The Express Tribune

---------- Post added at 05:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:21 PM ----------

Yeh aunty type aurat ko ghar beth ke bachay sambhalne chahiye. I have never heard anything logical from her

Yes I also think Aunty Firdous is a big joke, but I think this project will be an enormous benefit for Pakistan.

 

[Omar1984]

 

[Omar1984]

Gilani terms US 12 billion dlr Diamir Bhasha “life-line” of Pakistan

CHILAS, Oct 18 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Tuesday termed the US 12 billion dollars Diamir-Bhasha Dam project a “life-line” for the national economy, that would help meet country’s future agricultural and power requirements.He was addressing the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the world’s highest concrete dam on River Indus that would generate 19 billion units of electricity annually and enhance life of Tarbela Dam by over 35 years.Prime Minister Gilani termed it a historic day and appreciated the people of Pakistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and their political leadership for standing united to initiate the mega project.He said the gigantic project would generate 4500 MW electricity and store over 8 Million Acre Feet of water to meet country’s growing power and irrigation needs, and was the outcome of consensus amongst all stakeholders.

He said taking clue from the fate of the Kalabagh Dam that fell victim to some politicians who kept on playing to the gallery, he decided to take all stakeholders on board.

Gilani paid rich tributes to the political acumen of all political parties for backing the project. The Prime Minister also lauded the local people who had to sacrifice their ancestral lands for a great national cause.

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the international donors for the project.

He regretted that had the work on the project started earlier, it would have gone a long way in alleviating the sense of deprivation of the people.

Gilani said the dam was the outcome of the vision of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and recalled that in 1974-75 Northern Areas Framework Ordinance was promulgated and all agencies were given the status of Districts.

He said Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto had added Ghizer and Ganche as new districts and launched work on the Pak-China symbol of Karakoram Highway.

POLITICS:

Prime Minister Gilani stressed consistency in national politics to ensure continuity of policies and said it helps develop faith of the people in their elected representatives.

Gilani said he and his government had no interest in “clinging to the power” because the public service could be done by being either at treasury and opposition benches.

He said he had directed that all the projects initiated during his government, must be completed, along with the work on ongoing projects.

He said the multitude of problems that the country was facing could not be resolved by a single leader, or any particular party.
He said all the political leadership and parties needed to stand united and work for the progress and prosperity of the country.

Gilani said the coalition government during the last around four years, has made unprecedented achievements.

He said the politicians having the “March Syndrome” were not in fact afraid of the election of Senate, but of the credit due to the coalition government for presenting next budget for fifth consecutive time.

He said the government would come up with several new development projects in the next budget that would bring in more stability.

Gilani said those wishing to weaken the government would not succeed and the people of country would elect their leaders on merit.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Gilani, referring to the pointing of a complaint about payment of compensation said a committee has already worked on the matter and if there were any more issues, these need to be resolved by sitting together with the leadership of the GB. He also asked the Chief Minister GB to accommodate elected members from MQM in the government so that they can play a positive role in the development of their area.

He said agreements had been entered with China on the construction of 165 km Jaglot-Skardu and 135 km long Jaglot-Sazin.

Gilani announced Rs 200 million for District Diamir, setting up of Engineering faculty at the KKH University, that would be later upgraded to a separate engineering university. He directed setting up of a Cadet College at Chillas He announced an additional amount of Rs one billion to the Government of GB for KKH and other roads besides the already allocated amount of Rs 11.5 billion.

The Prime Minister also directed Wapda to initiate work on upgradation of three DHQ hospitals at Chilas and Skardu, a public school at Ganche, sponsorship of GB scouts, where local people of Diamir Bhasha be given preference.

Referring to a demand for a road from Ghizer to Tajikistan, the Prime Minister said talks were underway with the governments of Afghanistan and Tajikistan. He said the government was desirous of providing connectivity with the Central Asian Republics.
Gilani said the Pakistan Television was already airing news bulletins in Shina and Balti languages.

The event was attended by Minister for Defence Ch. Ahmed Mukhtar, Governor Gilgit Baltistan Pir Karam Ali Shah, Chief Minister GB Mehdi Shah, President Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Mohammad Yaqoob Ahmed Khan, Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo, Minister for Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Minister for Water and Power Syed Naveed Qamar, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Barrister Masood Kauser and Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti.


Associated Press Of Pakistan ( Pakistan's Premier NEWS Agency ) - Gilani terms US 12 billion dlr Diamir Bhasha “life-line” of Pakistan

---------- Post added at 07:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:53 PM ----------

 

[ghazi52]

We have to wait ten years for Diamir-Bhasha Dam project.

 

[Xracer]

We have to wait ten years for Diamir-Bhasha Dam project.

Thanks to ALLAH at least the work on project Started

 

[Karachiite]

Investment: Chinese company to generate 10,000MW
Head of Chinese delegation and Senior Vice President of China Three Gorges International Corporation, Wang Shaofeng said that under a master plan, their firm intends to spend a sum of $15 billion by 2020 on different projects, including power generation of 10,000 megawatts (MW).

While holding a meeting with Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah on Friday, he added that they are very keen for the Thar coal and mining project and development of Sindh and had already conducted a feasibility report.

Wang further said that his company intends to initiate two hydel power projects with generation of 2,000 MW. They also plan to generate 200 MW through solar energy and further generate 2,000 MW by wind power out of which 1,000 MW will be generated in Sindh, and the remaining 1,000 MW will be generated in other parts of Pakistan.

In his address, Shah said the government of Sindh will provide all incentives for development and progress of Thar Coal and Energy Project so as to achieve the target of power generation on coal.

Sindh Chief Minister further approved a grant of 50 acres land for a project of power generation through coal at Souda-Jherruk, Thatta, where instead of 400 MW; power worth 1,000MW will be generated.

He said that Sindh possesses huge resources of very good quality coal in various areas and Thar area possesses the maximum amount of it.

He further said that all basic infrastructures had been provided to develop the area and facilities like rest houses and airport are being initiated.

Investment: Chinese company to generate 10,000MW – The Express Tribune

 

[Omar1984]

ADB provides $37m for Sindh wind farm

Total cost of the project is $147 million. PHOTO: FILE


KARACHI:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced that it is providing a loan of $36.8 million to help fund the first privately owned wind farm in Pakistan.

In an announcement on its website on Thursday, ADB said Zorlu Enerji Electrik Uretim will use the loan to install more wind turbines at the farm, raising power production from six megawatts to 56.4MW.

The extra output from the farm, located in Sindh, will provide much-needed electricity for the economy, improve energy security and lower reliance on fossil fuels.

“Acute energy shortages, caused by low investment, are cutting into Pakistan’s economic growth,” said Michael Barrow, Director in ADB’s Private Sector Operations Department. “This deal should provide a bankable template for future privately funded wind projects and send a signal that the wind sector is attractive for private sector investment and financing.”

Pakistan relies heavily on imported fossil fuels for the bulk of its energy needs, however, this is costly, puts a heavy burden on foreign exchange reserves and leaves the country vulnerable to supply disruptions and global price fluctuations.

Investment in new capacity has lagged demand which has surged by over 40% over the past five years, resulting in regular brownouts in all major urban centres and introduction of power rationing.

The government is now undertaking a major drive to expand energy sources, including tapping renewable energy resources such as wind. There is around 50,000MW of wind power capacity available in the south of the country alone.

Zorlu Enerji, listed on the Istanbul Stock Exchange, owns and operates Turkey’s largest wind farm and is 68% owned by Zorlu Holding AS, one of the largest conglomerates in Turkey.

“We estimate that five to seven projects will come online following ADB’s support for Zorlu Enerji’s wind farm,” said Siddhartha Shah, Senior Investment Specialist in ADB’s Private Sector Operations Department.

Existing power generated by the wind farm is currently being dispatched to the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company. Once the second construction phase is completed, expected in 2013, the farm will supply power to the national grid through a 20-year take-or-pay power purchase agreement with the National Transmission and Dispatch Company. The tariff will be set at a competitive level with the rate dropping over time as project debt is paid.

Total cost of the project is $147 million with 30% financing through equity provided by Zorlu Enerji and the rest through US dollar-denominated loans from ADB, the International Finance Corporation and ECO Trade and Development Bank, as well as a Pakistan rupee loan from Habib Bank. ADB’s loan will carry a tenor of 12 years with a two-year grace period.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 28th, 2011


ADB provides $37m for Sindh wind farm – The Express Tribune

 

[Omar1984]

South Korea to set up $20m solar project

The investment will be part of $100 million earmarked for energy sector projects in Pakistan. PHOTO: FILE




HYDERABAD: South Korean Ambassador to Pakistan Choong Joe Choi has announced an investment of $20 million for construction of a solar energy project at a university hospital on Friday.

The investment will be part of $100 million earmarked for energy sector projects in Pakistan, the ambassador said at a reception hosted by the Hyderabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI) on Friday.

The announcement comes a day after President Asif Ali Zardari chaired a meeting with Korean companies in Islamabad to explore investment opportunities ahead of his forthcoming visit to South Korea.

The three-megawatt solar energy plant will be built at power-starved Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad. The hospital, biggest in the city provides healthcare services to people from adjoining cities as well.

“The two countries will sign memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to increase bilateral trade during the Pakistani president’s visit to our country next month,” Choi said.

He hoped that the volume of trade which stands around $1 billion will double in the next three to four years.

He said that Hyderabad has potential for investment in agriculture and infrastructure development projects.

On the request of the HCCI, Choi assured the business community that their visas will be processed on fast-track basis.

HCCI president Goharullah briefed the guests about investment prospects in Hyderabad and adjoining cities during the event. Director General Korean Business Centre, Karachi, BH Sung and South Korean Consul General In-Ki Lee accompanied the ambassador.

The ambassador while talking to the media underscored that the war against terrorism should continue and that Pakistan is playing the role of a front line state. When asked to comment on the recent unprovoked NATO attacks and Pakistan’s participation in the Bonn conference, Choi said it is for Pakistan and its allies to mutually decide.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 3rd, 2011


South Korea to set up $20m solar project – The Express Tribune

 

[Jango]

WAPDA to deploy TBMs for early completion of 969 MW Neelum Jhelum Project


The Pakistan Newswire
November 25, 2011
Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has decided to deploy state-of-the-art tunnel boring machines (TBMs) for on schedule completion of the strategically important 969 MW Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project.

Deployment of TBMs on the project will reduce the construction period by about two years resulting in an estimated benefit of Rs.90 billion.

WAPDA Chairman Shakil Durrani expressed these views during his visit to Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project. He was accompanied by WAPDA Member (Water) Syed Raghib Abbas Shah and Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Company Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, Lt. Gen. (R) Muhammad Zubair.

The Chairman inspected the diversion tunnel at Nauseri where the River Neelum was diverted in October 2011 to initiate construction of the weir. He also visited other components of the project including weir site, desander and main tunnels etc. at Nauseri and powerhouse at Chattar Kalas.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman said that Neelum Jhelum is a priority project of WAPDAs least cost energy generation plan. Since completion of the project is vital for the country, WAPDA is taking all possible measures for the purpose including deployment of two TBMs on the project. The TBMs, being imported from Germany by the contractor, are expected to reach Pakistan by January 2012, he added.

Lauding the efforts of the project authorities, the Chairman said that completion of the tunnel to divert River Neelum is a landmark in implementation of the project. The diversion tunnel was completed in October in record time of two years.

Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Company CEO/MD, briefing the Chairman, said that overall progress on the project stands at 27 per cent. He further said that about 17kilometer long tunnels have so far been completed. These include both access and main tunnels. He also briefed the Chairman about excavation work on the powerhouse and the main tunnels and piling for the composite dam.

It is pertinent to mention that Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project is being constructed on River Neelum in Azad Jammu & Kashmir. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2016. On completion, the project will provide about 5.15 billion units of electricity annually to the National Grid. Benefits of the project have been estimated at Rs.45 billion per annum. The project will pay back its cost in about 7 years.

http://www.hydroworld.com/index/display/news_display.1549687361.html


Not sure if this has been posted before. TBM's are a major advancement for tunnel boring in Pakistan. Quick and efficient work. A drill was conducted some days ago for the transportation of this machine on a 66 ton trailer.