Islamabad – The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) is poised to experience a big milestone in the development of the Diamer Basha Dam Project as roller-compact-concrete (RCC) is set to commence on the main dam at the beginning of next year.

This is major progress after the successful completion of RCC trials and major excavation work on the abutment and foundation of the dam, which is likely to be completed before the end of the year.

The developments were announced during the visit of the chairman of WAPDA, Lt Gen Muhammad Saeed (R), to the project site, which is some 40 kilometers downstream of the town of Chilas on the Indus River.

DG FWO Maj Gen Abdul Sami accompanied the Chairman, underscoring the teamwork between WAPDA and the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) on this mega project.

The visit involved a thorough inspection of all major construction sections, such as the crushing plant and diversion tunnel, dam pit, and the complex system of river diversion, which has been able to cope with high-flow conditions.

In his visit, the project team gave Chairman Saeed a detailed briefing and emphasized that construction works are being carried out on 13 work fronts. Satisfied with the developments, he encouraged the contractors to work faster by engaging more forces to see everything achieved within the set schedules.

He also pointed to the importance of the WAPDA team and consultants taking a proactive role in ensuring that any possible obstacles are immediately dealt with to ensure that the project is completed as scheduled. Measures on security at the project site were also an important aspect of the discussion.

Chilas Cadet College

WAPDA, as its “corporate social responsibility”, has made huge investments of approximately Rs. 2.1 billion for completing the Cadet College Chilas. The institution is committed to offering high-quality education to students in the local and surrounding project areas.

This project falls under a wider undertaking that has seen WAPDA allocate over Rs. 78.5 billion on an array of development projects such as health, education, and infrastructure, and also on the resettlement of the communities affected.

Residents are also given priority in the project, offering job opportunities to them.

Tallest RCC Dam

The Diamer Basha Dam will be the tallest RCC dam in the world when completed, as it is going to rise to a height of 272 meters.

It is anticipated that the dam will contain a gross water storage of 8.1 million acre-feet (MAF), which will be important in the irrigation of 1.23 million acres of farmland.

The power-generating capacity of the project is also huge; 4,500 MW is expected to deliver 18 billion units of green, clean, and affordable power to the national grid every year.

This groundbreaking project will be very instrumental in the water and energy security in Pakistan and will play its part in the economic and agricultural future of the country.