Islamabad: The Supreme Court has given a 15-day deadline to the Water and Power Development (WAPDA) to prepare the PC-I for the construction of Nai Gaj Dam, a news source reported. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar issued the directives.
The bench was informed that the schedule and the breakdown of the cost of the project depend upon the PC-I, which has to be prepared by WAPDA. The dam will be constructed at a total cost of PKR 46 billion. So far, the government has released PKR 16 billion.
The apex court had earlier sought plans from the government about issuance of funds for the construction of Nai Gaj Dam in Dadu district of Sindh.
Nai Gaj is among 19 dams the Government of Pakistan plans to construct in its bid to enhance water storage capacity and tackle other water-related issues. The other proposed projects are Diamer-Bhasha Dam, Mohmand Dam, Kurran Tangi Dam and Kurran Tangi Dam II, Naulong Dam, Winder Dam, Barra Dam, Akhnorri Dam, Shaivak Dam, Hangole Dam, Bhimbar Dam, Chanute Dam, Badinzai Dam, Tank Dam, Daklaigi Dam, Daraban Dam Saklaigi Dam, Dotarah Dam, and Kalabagh Dam.
Experts have projected that the construction of these dams will add 30 million acre foot (MAF) to the already depleting water reserves. Pakistan faces a looming water crisis and failure to address the issue may trigger a water shortfall of 31 MAF by 2025.
