Wapda officials update NA panel on various dams projects

ISLAMABAD: The Dasu Hydropower Project, located on the Indus River, has reached over 23 percent completion, according to the Chairman of the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda), despite facing challenges such as land acquisition delays and security concerns.

The project has successfully completed key milestones, including river diversion and powerhouse excavation. Wapda officials presented the latest progress during a session of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Water Resources, chaired by Khalid Hussain Magsi, on Thursday.

“At present, the Dasu Hydropower Project is 23.3% physically complete, marking a significant milestone in one of Pakistan’s largest energy initiatives,” said the chairman. “Despite hurdles such as land acquisition delays and security issues in the region, the project continues to make substantial progress.”

In a related update, the Mohmand Dam, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is 37.6 percent complete, signaling steady development of vital infrastructure in the country. The dam, intended to enhance water storage and irrigation capabilities, has seen progress in land acquisition, power tunnel excavation, and turbine manufacturing.

Upgrades are also underway at the historic Mangla and Tarbela dams, which have long been central to Pakistan’s energy and irrigation systems. Ongoing expansion projects at Tarbela – the 4th and 5th extensions – are designed to improve capacity and meet the country’s growing energy demands. The Naulong Dam project, another significant development, is moving toward implementation. Located 395 kilometers from Quetta in Balochistan, the project will require 4,282 acres of land, costing Rs1.95 billion for acquisition. The Balochistan government has allocated Rs0.9 billion for the land acquisition, with construction slated to begin in February 2026 and completion anticipated in 2031.