LAHORE: With the completion of eight under-construction water and hydropower projects, the carryover water capacity of the country will increase from 30 days to 45 days with an addition of 9.7 million acre-feet water storage and hydel power generation will be doubled to 18,000MW with an increase of 9,043MW.

This was briefed to a delegation of PAF Air War College Karachi during their visit to Wapda House on Monday. Headed by Air Commodore Raja Imran Asghar, Deputy President of the College, the delegation was comprised officers from Pakistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Zimbabwe.

Secretary Wapda Fakharuzzaman Ali Cheema welcomed the guests while Advisor (Hydrology and Water Management) Shahid Hamid briefed the delegation about the role, functions and development plans, threats and opportunities of the climate change and water security challenges faced by Pakistan. Member (Power) Jamil Akhtar, GMs and other senior officers also attended the briefing.

The delegation was briefed that the authority is executing the biggest-ever portfolio of development projects in water and hydropower sectors scheduled to be completed from 2024 to 2029 in a phased manner for water, food and energy security of Pakistan.

These projects include Diamer Basha Dam, Mohmand Dam, Dasu (Stage-I), Kurram Tangi Dam (Stage-I), Nai Gaj Dam, Kachhi Canal Extension, Tarbela 5th Extension Project and Greater Karachi Bul Water Supply Scheme (K-IV).

Pakistan can store only 10pc of its annual river flows against the world average of 40pc. However, the completion of under-construction projects would help improve the water and hydel power situation.

Following the briefing, there was an intensive interactive session about the overall water and hydropower scenario.

Published in Dawn, November 28th, 2023