7,100 MW Bunji Dam’s detailed engineering design completed

[Salman]

LAHORE: The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has completed detailed engineering design and tender documents of the 7,100 megawatt (MW) Bunji Hydropower Project, and will soon initiate the process to undertake construction of this largest hydropower project in Pakistan.

WAPDA Chairman Raghib Abbas Shah expressed these views in a meeting with Gilgit Baltistan Chief Secretary Sajjad Saleem Hotiana at WAPDA House on Monday. The meeting was held to discuss various WAPDA projects located in Gilgit Baltistan.

Speaking on the occasion, the chairman said that the mega projects such as Bunji and Diamer Bhasha Dam will not only help stabilise national economy but also usher in an era of social and economic development in Gilgit Baltistan.

He appreciated the cooperation being provided by the Gilgit Baltistan government in implementing WAPDA projects in the region. He further said that WAPDA will fulfil all its commitments vis-à-vis construction of the projects and resettlement of their affectees.

Later, implementation status of the decisions taken on January 17, 2013 was discussed in detail. The meeting was informed that Gilgit Baltistan administration will complete the ground survey as well satellite imageries for geographical mapping of Diamer Bhasha Dam Project in two weeks. The matter pertaining to handing over government land to WAPDA also came under discussion. The chairman said that in view of the significance of resettlement of Diamer Bhasha Dam Project affectees, priority should be given to acquire land for construction of the model villages in the area.

Deliberations were also made about Satpara Dam, Harpo, Bashoo and Phander hydropower projects. It was decided in the meeting that a study will jointly be conducted by WAPDA and Gilgit Baltistan to address the issues relating to Satpara Dam. The study will also assess the future requirements of water in Skardu and adjacent areas, their fulfillment through Shatung Nullah, its environmental impact and a way forward for the purpose.

The meeting also agreed to devise a perpetual operation and management methodology for Satpara Dam Project with active involvement of Gilgit Baltistan.