The Kalabagh Dam

The two most important factors that are hindering economic progress in our country are: terrorism and the energy crisis. I have been hearing a lot about the Kalabagh Dam for the last 40 years. Decisions were made many times to construct the dam and then retracted primarily due to the pressure exerted by some political parties. Apprehensions like the entire Nowshera district being inundated and a large portion of Sindh becoming barren are completely unfounded. Experts on hydropower projects do not agree with these notions.
Our country needs cheap means of power generation and water storage facilities for land irrigation. About 75 percent of the fresh water carried by our rivers is falling into the Arabian Sea without any utility. We can get at least 4,500MW of cheap power through the Kalabagh Dam. Similarly, as in other countries, small- and medium-size dams can also be made on rivers and streams in our northern areas. It may not be impossible to achieve a consensus on the issue. The time has come to hold a referendum on this issue of greater national importance.
Cdre (r) Sajjad Ali Shah Bokhari
Islamabad