HARIPUR: Federal Minister for Water Resources Mian Mohammad Mueen Wattoo on Saturday visited the Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project to review ongoing work and assess the progress of remedial measures at the site.

He was accompanied by Additional Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Syed Mohammad Mehar Ali Shah; Indus River System Authority (IRSA) Chairman Shafqat Hussain Wadho; Wapda Member (Water) Engr. Asim Rauf Khan; and other senior officials.

During the visit, the minister inspected the intake structure and other major components of the project.

He also reviewed the ongoing work and sought updates from the project teams regarding the pace and quality of remedial activities.

The minister was informed that immediate response measures had been finalised and remedial work was progressing at the site.

The ongoing activities are focused on stabilising the affected area, addressing the issue systematically and implementing preventive measures in the short, medium and long term to avert any recurrence.

Emphasising the need for careful execution, Mr Wattoo directed that all remedial activities be carried out under close supervision and in coordination with the relevant teams.

The consultants, contractor and Wapda officials jointly assessed that the integrity of the main Tarbela Dam and its critical structures was not under threat at present.

Taking note of the assessment, the minister stressed the need for continued vigilance and close monitoring of the project.

He directed the consultants, contractor and Wapda project team to expedite remedial work and prepare a contingency plan to minimise any potential delays in the overall completion of the project.

He underscored that every effort should be made to keep the project on schedule without compromising safety and quality at any stage.

The Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project is being constructed on Tunnel No. 5 of Tarbela Dam and has a planned power generation capacity of 1,530 megawatts.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2026