The lifeline projects

The CJP took the initiative by setting up a fund for the construction of Diamer-Bhasha and Munda dams

One can clearly see that dams have been taken up on a war footing — something that was sadly missing from the priority list of our rulers thus far. The Chief Justice of Pakistan took the initiative — by setting up a fund for the construction of Diamer-Bhasha and Munda dams — and the nation responded to it in all earnest. And the result: collection of a handsome Rs260 million in a little over three weeks. The amount donated so far is tiny though — given that 1.5 to 2 billion dollars are required for bringing the two water reservoirs into existence — it does give a feel that dams have now become our top priority.

Knowing full well that donations are not sufficient for the purpose, the authorities have decided to approach lenders for the amount needed for the two dams, besides considering a nominal surcharge on electricity consumption — on the pattern of Neelum-Jhelum surcharge — to meet the funding needs. According to the Wapda chairman, who heads the Supreme Court-appointed implementation committee on the two dams, a financing structure has been presented to the CJP. So things are on track.

Our neighbours are racing past us in all respects. Take the case of dams here. China and India have had 22,000 and 4,500 small, medium and big dams, the never-ending debate on the Kalabagh dam never allowed us to look for other options, with the result that we have managed only a few water reservoirs since independence despite having huge water potential stretched from Himalyan mountains to Karakoram and Hinduskush regions. While Kalabagh has long been a bone of contention among our federating units, there is no progress either on the construction of Diamer-Bhasha dam for about 18 years, mainly due to a lack of resources.

We need to do all that’s needed to save our country from becoming a desert. Those belittling the public fund initiative of the Supreme Court must remember that all big journeys start with a small stride. What’s important is that you do step forward.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 22^nd, 2018.

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