Ayesha Saba

Mohmand Dam is anticipated to have a substantial impact in halting the decline of the water table in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and conserving underground water for future generations in a sustainable way. Talking to WealthPK, Muhammad Nadeem, a Sub-Divisional Officer in Wapda, highlighted the pivotal role of the Mohmand Dam in addressing the water crisis and ensuring sustainable development in KP. He emphasised the significance of the dam in preserving underground water for future generations while arresting the declining water table. He underscored the urgent need for Pakistan to construct additional dams to enhance water management and meet energy demands sustainably. According to Nadeem, the project holds immense potential in addressing challenges such as flood protection, renewable energy production, and rural development in the region. “By harnessing the potential of renewable energy sources, the dam will not only contribute to Pakistan's energy security but also support Pakistan's efforts to achieve the goals outlined in 'Vision 2025'. This includes more than doubling the country’s installed hydropower capacity by 2030 as part of the vision’s pillar IV 'Energy, Food and Water Security'.

Additionally, the dam aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG-2 (Food Security), SDG-6 (Clean Water), and SDG-7 (Clean Energy), while also embodying the spirit of SDG-17 (Partnerships for the Goals),” he stated. The Wapda official said that at present, the construction was progressing on all 11 sites of the dam. “These sites include diversion tunnels, power in tech, power waterway, spillway, regulation pond, left bank irrigation tunnel, powerhouse, main dam excavation, link roads, and project colony. The diversion system is scheduled to be completed in November this year, while the project is likely to be completed in 2026.” According to the Planning Ministry update, the total project cost for the Mohmand Dam is Rs309 billion. The Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) allocation for the fiscal year 2023-24 is Rs10.5 billion. The expenditure to date stands at Rs62.3 billion. According to Wapda, Mohmand Dam would be the fifth-highest concrete-face-rock-fill dam in the world and its first unit would be completed in December 2025. Upon completion, the dam will store 1.2-million-acre-foot water. The dam will help check floods and will be able to cultivate 160,000 acres of existing agricultural land as well as 18,237 acres of new land.

Credit: INP-WealthPk