Safety commission for dams, barrages proposed

Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) has made a proposal to the federal government of setting up a federal commission for monitoring and safety of dams, barrages and allied structures. Wapda chairman Shakil Durrani stated this during his visit to Ghazi Barotha Hydropower Project (GBHP), Tarbela Dam and Allai and Khan Khwar hydropower projects, as part of his continuing exercise to personally monitor and assess the flood situation, according to a Wapda spokesman here Sunday.

Durrani said the proposed commission comprising water sector experts of international repute, may prove beneficial in devising an integrated strategy for safety of the entire irrigation system during the floods. The commission may also be of great assistance to the federal as well as provincial governments in avoiding the havoc of floods in future, he added.

The chairman said that structures of Wapda projects remained safe during the recent floods, however, the floods erode some of the safety embankments of under construction projects. The loss has been estimated at Rs. 3 billion approximately and will be borne by insurance companies, as these works are insured, he maintained.

In the first phase of his visit, the chairman inspected power channel of Ghazi Barotha Hydropower Project, Tarbela Dam and its lake. In the second phase, he visited the power house and switch-yard of Allai Khwar Hydropower Project. He also witnessed the head race tunnel, switch-yard and power house of Khan Khwar Hydropower Project. He directed the management concerned to ensure quality of work in completion of Khwar hydropower projects.

The chairman also visited Wapda flood relief desks set up at Allai and Besham and distributed tents, blankets, utensils and food items among flood victims of Jambera, Allai and Ranial.

Besides setting up relief & medical camps in areas adjacent to its projects, the authority has also donated a sum of Rs. 50 million to flood victims.