WAPDA nears Mohmand Dam river diversion

The Water and Power Development Authority is set to divert the Swat River at the Mohmand Dam Hydropower Project, following the completion of the diversion tunnels, according to a press statement released on Monday. The river is expected to be diverted after the completion of the river-closure dyke within days, despite the ongoing high-flow season.

WAPDA Chairman Engr Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (Retd) recently visited the project site to review the progress, inspecting key construction areas. He was briefed that the concrete lining of diversion tunnel 3/1 is complete, and excavation and rock support at the powerhouse are advancing rapidly.

During a progress review meeting, the chairman directed the consultant to maintain quality according to specifications and discussed the river diversion plan and construction schedule for the main dam.

Scheduled for completion in 2026-27, the dam will store 1.29 MAF of water for agriculture, generate 800 MW of hydropower, and supply 300 million gallons of water per day to Peshawar. The project is expected to bring annual benefits of Rs51.6 billion.