The latest offer of China to include the construction of Diamer-Bhasha dam in China Pakistan Economic Corridor project is a blow of fresh air and the work on this mega project will start from next year.The government has been planning for years to build a host of dams along the Indus River which is flowing down from the Himalayas across the country, but the opposition from India and lack of interest of the international financial institutions came as hurdles in start of the construction. However, China’s Belt and Road infrastructure plan has infused a new hope for the construction of the dam which will cost the nation $14 billion over a period of 10 years and will generate 4,500 megawatts of electricity. A new water reservoir built at the dam will regulate the flow of water to irrigate lands across the plains and will ensure food security of the country. Pakistan and China have already signed a memorandum of understanding in December last year to generate fund for the Indus basin dams. Reports suggest Pakistan has the potential to generate 40,000 megawatt hydro potential annually. Pakistan and China are also considering constructing Bunji hydro power project which will stretch down to Tarbela Dam and will produce 7,100 per annum.
Earlier, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank had refused to fund the project as they sought a no objection certificate from the Indian government. It is the irony and hypocrisy of the world institutions that they accept Kashmir as a disputed territory, but have failed to convince India to discuss the issue with Pakistan. Now China is entering the arena and several Chinese companies are interested in funding and participating in the project.
It is good omen that the government is now concentrating on Diamer-Bhasha Dam, which will not only provide electricity and water for irrigation, but will also supply drinking water to various cities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The country has been enduring energy crisis for the last many years and the people are currently facing power outages for up to 12 hours per day. Though poor governance,lack of planning and corruption have their share of troubles in the energy crisis,the hostile attitude of some neighbours is also contributing to the problems. However, the construction of the dam will fulfill the energy needs of the country to some extent. The government should also take into account a viable electricity distribution system before embarking on the venture.
