Tarbela Dam is at risk due to heavy gear movement

Tarbela Dam is at risk due to heavy gear movement. Heavy machinery moving for the Tarbela Dam fifth expansion project puts the dam’s spillway gates in jeopardy. Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone for the fifth extension project of the Tarbela Dam on August 12.

Rules and procedures were broken when transferring heavy machinery to the building site, posing a direct threat to the existing dam and its spillways. The overwhelming weight of heavy machinery could damage the spillway gates of the world’s largest earth-filled dam, which fear a disaster if this occurs. The contractor’s violation of SOPs is rising, and management is oblivious of it.

The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), according to reports, has been informed of the problem, but to no avail. Local workers have also been denied positions in the project due to quota, according to reports. Furthermore, it did not provide workers with facilities or related allowances. An attempt was made to contact the dam administration for comment but could locate no one.

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In 2024, they will complete the project. The World Bank (WB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) contribute $390 million and $300 million to the project, respectively. The aim of the project is to produce1,530 MW of low-cost, ecologically friendly electricity. Tarbela Dam’s installed capacity will grow from 4,888 MW to 6,418 MW with the completion of T-5.

Lt. Gen. (retd) Muzamil Hussain, Chairman of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the project. The T-5 Hydropower Project, according to the premier, will extend the life of Tarbela Dam by managing sedimentation and assuring long-term irrigation releases.

“We should focus our resources on generating clean power that does not hurt the environment,” Prime Minister Imran Khan said at the event, adding that the government should attempt to use the least amount of fuel possible to generate electricity.

According to Prime Minister Khan, the timely completion of the Dasu and Bhasha dams is critical for the country.

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