January 4, 2006	Wednesday	Zilhaj 3, 1426

KARACHI, Jan 3: The need to look at options other than building mega projects and to have a logical technical approach to the Kalabagh dam issue was stressed by speakers at a seminar organized by the students of Bahria University.

Dr Sikandar Mahendro of the Pakistan Peoples Party explained why it was necessary to maintain harmony within the country by resolving the water issue, keeping the ground realities in mind and focusing on the management of the existing projects.

He emphasized the need for realizing the acute shortage of water and, therefore, suggested dams cannot be constructed unless there was enough water available.

Ms Shazia Marri gave a presentation critically analyzing the water management system in Pakistan. She maintained that dam was not the solution to the water problem and suggested that need for reviewing and revamping the canal canal system and lining distributaries.

She also explained that alternatives, like wind-power, coal energy, should be considered. She said dams were a big boom in the 1950s, but now it was necessary to realize the damages faced by such projects throughout the world.

Mari maintained that dams were water banks which need to be filled with water and since there was already a shortage, there was no way to fill them up. Aneesuddin Sheikh presented facts in support of his arguments against the Kalabagh dam project.

Mr Tabani expressed concern over regime’s insistence on the project, like Kalabagh when Pakistan was facing other major issues, including the Kashmir issue.