ISLAMABAD: Acting President Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani has donated 1.5 million rupees for Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams.
In a statement, he lauded the act of Chief Justice Mian Muhammad Saqib Nisar for setting up a fund for the construction of dams. He said chief justice had not only taken this step timely but it was indispensable to tackle the water shortage issue.
Sadiq Sanjrani urged overseas Pakistanis to donate for this national obligation.
He said water emergency should be enforced in the country and public be made aware about the issue.
Fund for the construction of the dams has been established under directive of Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar to overcome shortage of water and power in the country.
On July 4, the Supreme Court ordered immediate construction of Diamer Bhasha and Mohmand dams in the country.
In a brief but historic verdict, Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar, highlighting importance of water for the survival of people, ordered the authorities concerned to take measures for the construction of both dams on a priority basis.
He said Kalabagh dam will also be constructed with consensus of all stakeholders.
The apex court said a bank account will be opened in the name of its register for collection of donations for the construction of dams in the country.
The top judge announced to donate Rs1 million for the cause.
Meanwhile, chairman Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Lt Gen Muzammil Hussain (retd) yesterday briefed Prime Minister Justice (Retd) Nasir-ul-Mulk about water, dams and hydropower projects in Pakistan.
The prime minister was briefed that construction work on Diamer Bhasha and Mohmand dams will be started in fiscal year 2018-19. Diamer Bhasha Dam Project has a gross water storage capacity of 8.1 MAF and power generation capacity of 4500 MW. Likewise, Mohmand Dam Hydropower Project will store 1.2 MAF water and generate 800 MW electricity.
“The 1410 MW- Tarbela 5th extension, the 2160 MW-Stage II of Dasu, the 7100 MW-Bunji and the Stage II of multipurpose Kurram Tangi Dam are among the ready-for-construction projects,” he said.
