By Muhammad Luqman
The Construction work of multipurpose Mohmand Dam Hydropower Project is in full swing, transforming Pakistan’s dream of harnessing the waters of river Swat into a reality.
Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), the body entrusted with the execution of hydropower projects in the South Asian country seems confident to complete the project during high flow season in 2025 as per the timelines.
“Mohmand Dam with a power generation capacity of 800 megawatt is the 5th highest concrete-face-rock-fill Dam (CFRD) in the world,” Chairman WAPDA , Lt. General (rtd) Muzammal Hussain told media men during his visit to the project.
The total priority land has already been acquired with the support of the locals, District Administration of Tribal District Mohmand and the Provincial Government of Pakistan’s north western province of Khyber Pakhtun Khawa.
WAPDA is spending Rs. 4.53 billion will be spent on Confidence Building Measures (CBM) in the project area for socio-economic development of the locals.
“Mohmand Dam Hydropower Project is historic and unique in nature being constructed after the delay of over five decades. The project is scheduled to be completed in five years and eight months,” WAPDA Chairman said.
It will store about 1.2 million acre feet (MAF) of water, generate 800 megawatt (MW), contribute 2.86 billion units of low-cost hydel electricity annually to the National Grid and help mitigate floods in Peshawar, Charsadda and Naushera.
Besides supplementing 160,000 acres of existing land, about 16,700 acres of new land will also be irrigated because of Mohmand Dam. In addition, 300 million gallons water per day will also be provided to Peshawar for drinking purpose. Annual benefits of the project have been estimated at Rs. 51.6 billion.
