MIRPUR, Feb 28: The phased process for rehabilitation of the affectees of the Mangla Dam Upraising project, coupled with initial work, including the formal survey to launch the construction work will begin from May this year , disclosed Chaudhry Amir Afzal, and engineer and the Commissioner for Mangla Dam Affairs.

He was addressing the radio press conference in the studios of Azad Kashmir Radio Mirpur Saturday.

The commissioner said that the Rs 64 billion project will usher in a new era of speedy progress and prosperity in the country including Azad Kashmir, since the project will augment the supply of irrigation water in various parts of the country particularly in Punjab and Sindh provinces when the country is in dire need of water.

He said that there will be additional power generation and further flood alleviation after the dam level has been raised by 30 feet from the existing 1210 feet level. The conservation level of the dam will be raised by 40 feet from the existing 1202 feet conservation level. On average, the annual water availability would increase by 2.9 million acre feet (MAF).

Amir Afzal said that a new model city and four towns would be carved out for the rehabilitation of the affectees of the dam upraising project. Besides Dhan Gali bridge and six new grid stations would also be installed in the district.

He said that the government of Pakistan has principally agreed to lay the latest networks of water supply and sewerage in Mirpur city. The Commissioner said that suitable amount of the Mangla Dam royalty will be spent for the uplift and development of various parts of Mirpur district without any discrimination.

Amir Afzal said that AJK will also benefit as in the downstream areas, thousands of acres of land in Mirpur and Bhimbher districts shall be brought under irrigation.-APP