GILGIT, Jan 25: The Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) on Tuesday briefed members of the Northern Areas Legislative Council on benefits of the Bhasha dam and its likely effects on the economy of the Northern Areas. Almost all legislators of the house, including the deputy chief executive of the Northern Areas, Mir Ghazanfar Ali Khan, and NALC Speaker Malik Mohammad Miskeen, were present.

Wapda authorities highlighted the importance of the reservoir to be built within the territorial jurisdiction of the region at a cost of $6.456 billion.

They said the dam would affect 23,000 people of 32 small villages in low-lying areas along the River Indus.

According to Wapda officials, the affectees will be paid compensation before work is begun on the project. Model towns will also be built for the affected people.