Chiniot Dam to be completed by December
PHOTO: FILE
The Chiniot Dam, located on the Chenab River, is expected to be completed by December 2022. Located five kilometres from Chiniot city, the dam is projected to generate 80 megawatts of cheap and environment friendly electricity. Additionally, the gross storage of Chiniot Dam is 0.9 million acre feet (MAF).
The project was near completion as the implementation agency Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) expedited development work on various small and medium dams.
The government would provide Rs50 million, under the public sector development programme (PSDP), whereas Rs96.33 million would be provided by WAPDA’s own resources.
The feasibility study of the Chiniot Dam Project was carried out by WAPDA and completed in 2019. The PC-II Proforma for Detailed Engineering Design was submitted to Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR), for consideration in forthcoming Departmental Development Working Party (DDWP) meeting. The DDWP has approved the PC-II Proforma, subject to certain conditions.
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A WAPDA official told media services that the project held a great deal significance, as it would help generate a daily water supply for Chiniot city and help establish business opportunities for locals, such as fisheries and tourism.
The small and medium dams are necessary for the country to avoid the risk of massive flooding in areas lying near rivers and areas with heavy rainfall.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 11th, 2022.