ISLAMABAD: The transmission scheme for dispersal of power from Neelum-Jhelum and evacuation of power from 147MW Patrind hydropower projects were among 21 projects worth Rs41.17 billion approved by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) here on Tuesday.

In addition to this, the CDWP meeting, chaired by Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, recommended nine projects to Ecnec which will cost Rs165 billion.

For the evacuation of power from the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project, a 270km 500kV transmission line has been proposed up to Gujranwala, which will be constructed in two phases.

According to the project document, the first phase containing 145km transmission line from Neelum-Jhelum to Domeli near Rawat will be completed by December this year, where it will be connected with the existing 500kV Rawat-Gujranwala transmission line as a temporary arrangement.

The remaining component of 130km long transmission line from Domeli to Gujranwala will be completed by December 2016 and ultimately the power evacuation will be made through the 500kV Neelum-Jhelum-Gujranwala double-circuit transmission line.

For evacuation of power from 720MW Karot and 650MW Azad Pattan hydropower projects, two 500kV double-circuit transmission lines having a length of 5km each will be constructed for interconnection of these power plants with the Neelum Jhelum-Gujranwala lines.

The CDWP also approved construction of a 132kV grid station at Dera Bugti and 132kV SDT Sui-Dera Bugti transmission line, and construction of 132kV grid station at Sui and Kashmore-Sui transmission line by the ministry of water and power.

Construction of 132kV grid station at Zard Ghulam Jan and Mangocher-Zard Ghulam Jan transmission line by the government of Balochistan was also approved.

In the railways sector, the CDWP approved the operation and management of Kashmir Railways. The government plans to link Kashmir with rest of the country by rail through Murree. Creation of a project management unit in the ministry of railways was also approved.

Also in the railways sector, the meeting approved replacement of two diesel generator sets of 1,000kW at Mughalpura workshop in Lahore.

The CDWP also approved carrying out a feasibility study for a dedicated freight corridor for transportation of coal from Karachi to Lahore by the ministry of railways.

In the water sector, the CDWP approved a project for the construction of six dams in the Thar region by Wapda. The locations are Jhanjhasar, Chanida, Rinmalsar, Adhigham, Lakar Khadio and Koowara.

In the education sector, the CDWP approved the establishment of the University of Swat by the Higher Education Commission. It also approved the essential infrastructure for the creation of Jhang campus of the Lahore College for Women University by the HEC; strengthening of academic and research facilities at Gomal University at Dera Ismail Khan; Strengthening and expansion of the University of Gujrat and allied campus and upgradation of academic facilities at Sindh Agricultural University, Tando Jam. These projects will be carried out by the HEC.

In health sector, the CDWP approved establishment of public health and nursing institutes at People’s University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women at Nawabshah.

The CDWP accorded approval to the creation of a centre for rural economy at the Planning Commission. Using a grant offered by the French government, the CDWP approved carrying out of feasibility studies and planning and design of waste water treatment plants for Faisalabad by the Punjab government.

The nine projects recommended to Ecnec include water supply and sewerage schemes for Mirpur and hamlets in the periphery of Mangla Dam; rehabilitation and improvement of railway tracks; procurement of 75 diesel electric locomotives; procurement of hopper wagons for coal transportation; construction of new secretariat block at Constitution Avenue, Islamabad; rehabilitation of NHA highways network damaged due to unprecedented monsoon rains and flash floods of 2010; Lowari Tunnel and access roads project; Sindh irrigated agriculture productivity enhancement project assisted by the World Bank; and construction of water carrier from spinal drain of LBOD to Nab for Thar coal power generation units by the Sindh government.

While commenting on the approach of the PSDP, Mr Ahsan Iqbal stated that the HEC should develop solid and tangible interventions which should improve the innovation and research capacity and all universities should be friendly for disabled students. He directed the HEC to pre-qualify renowned architects for construction of campuses.

He said: “National architecture has thematic significance, defining cultural heritage of the country. Government is taking special measures to bring higher education to international levels. Scholarships for backward areas’ universities were approved to allow local faculty opportunity for future education.”

He said: “Every University should establish endowment fund and HEC should evaluate universities for raising funds from alumni and industry.”

The federal minister announced that those districts having no university campus would be covered by establishing HEC campuses within three years.

He said: “Approval of new university campus in Swat and strengthening of Gomal University is a proof that the PML-N is partaking with the PTI’s provincial government for development of KP and higher education. We need to work together for building a better Pakistan.”

Published in Dawn January 28th, 2015

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