Diamer-Bhasha dam: a solution to our water, energy woes

Pakistan’s water resources can boost energy and agriculture, but poor planning stalls key infrastructure projects.

Pakistan has been endowed with vast water resources which, if utilised effectively, can provide solutions to two of the country's most pressing concerns: the generation of affordable electricity and the conversion of barren land into productive agricultural zones. Despite possessing these natural endowments, the country's approach toward water resource management has been inconsistent. The construction of the Mangla and Tarbela Dams decades ago set a foundation, but since then, Pakistan has seen little progress in expanding its water infrastructure.

One of the most significant missed opportunities was the Kalabagh Dam project. Due to political controversies and provincial opposition, the project was shelved, despite its potential to become a cornerstone of the nation's water management strategy. Its abandonment has contributed to the ongoing water shortages and reliance on expensive and unsustainable energy sources.

Amidst this backdrop, the Diamer-Bhasha Dam emerges as a beacon of hope. First conceptualised as a key component of Pakistan's water management and energy strategy, the dam's construction began in 2020 under the previous government. However, the decision to hastily begin construction without addressing the crucial aspect of financing has resulted in significant challenges. Initially, the cost of the dam was estimated at Rs479 billion, with Rs120 billion allocated for land acquisition alone. Today, due to delays, mismanagement and lack of foresight, the cost has skyrocketed to Rs1,400 billion. This escalation in expenses reflects a broader pattern of poor planning, where delays in execution and unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles inflate the cost of critical infrastructure projects.

Despite the financial hurdles, the Diamer-Bhasha Dam remains indispensable to Pakistan's long-term water and food security. The dam, once completed, will not only generate 4,500 megawatts of electricity but will also store an additional 8.1 million acre-feet of water, vital for irrigation and drinking purposes. The dam will be instrumental in managing floodwaters and reducing the risks of future floods that have historically wreaked havoc on Pakistan's agricultural and residential areas. Given the importance of this project, the government has renewed its focus on its completion.

However, the financial challenges of completing such a massive project during an economic crisis cannot be overlooked. Securing the necessary funds for the dam's completion is an enormous task. But the government must prioritise the project in the interest of national development. Delaying it further will only exacerbate the situation, leading to an even greater increase in costs. The dam's long-term benefits far outweigh the immediate financial concerns, as it promises not only energy generation and irrigation but also economic growth through the creation of thousands of jobs.

Also, the government's recent decision to construct 32 small dams in the country is a commendable step. These smaller projects, funded by billions of rupees from the federal government, will complement the efforts being made with the Diamer-Bhasha Dam. While these smaller dams won't have the same capacity or impact as the larger projects, they will provide much-needed support to local communities, ensuring better water management and local power generation.

The construction of these dams represents a shift in Pakistan's approach toward water management, demonstrating a growing awareness of the need for sustainable solutions. Given the mounting effects of climate change, water scarcity and energy shortages, such infrastructure projects are critical to ensuring the country's future prosperity.

Presumably, the Diamer-Bhasha Dam stands as a pivotal project for Pakistan's future. It holds the potential to significantly improve the country's water storage capacity, generate affordable electricity and enhance food security. Despite the financial constraints and challenges, the government must take bold steps to ensure its timely completion. Alongside the development of smaller dams, such initiatives can transform Pakistan's water and energy sectors, driving sustainable economic growth and alleviating some of the most critical challenges facing the nation today.