THE under-construction Dasu Hydropower Project crossed a major milestone the other day, as the mighty River Indus was successfully diverted following completion of one of the two diversion tunnels. Instead of its natural course, the River Indus was now flowing through a 1.33 kilometre (km) long diversion tunnel with 20 meters (m) width and 23m height.
This is, indeed, a remarkable achievement of WAPDA as construction activities have been initiated on the starter dam, leading toward the construction of the main dam of Dasu Hydropower Project. It is also important to note that the 1.5 km long second tunnel, with 20m width and 23m height, will also be ready by mid-April this year to cater to the increased water flows during the high-flows season. It would mean unhindered continuation of construction activities throughout the year on this vital project which would generate 4,320 MW of electricity in two stages. Under construction stage one with the generation capacity of 2,160 MW is likely to become operational from 2026 while the second stage with equal generation capacity.
The 2,160 MW stage-II, when implemented, will also provide 9 billion units to the National Grid. On completion of both stages, Dasu will become the project with the highest annual energy generation in Pakistan i.e. 21 billion units per annum on average. While lauding the hard work done by WAPDA, we would urge the authorities concerned to concentrate on accelerating the pace of implementation of Diamer-Bhasha dam as well, the cost of which is escalating due to our lacklustre attitude. No doubt, the country is facing a financial crunch and it is difficult to spare resources for speedy implementation but the enormous benefits of the hydro-power projects for the national economy make the investment worth-making.
