Harpo Hydropower fast-tracked for G-B

A meeting of the High-Level Committee on the Harpo Hydropower Project (HPP) was convened today at the Ministry of Water Resources under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Water Resources Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo.

The Minister highlighted the strategic and developmental significance of the Harpo Hydropower Project for Gilgit-Baltistan and emphasised the need for its swift and effective implementation. He directed that all legal and procedural formalities be completed at the earliest stage to pre-empt any legal or administrative obstacles, and to avoid future cost escalations.

"This project is of immense benefit to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan," the Minister stated. "We must expedite progress, ensure excellent delivery standards, and make transparency a cornerstone of this effort."

The Harpo Hydropower Project is a 34.5 megawatt (MW), run-of-river power generation facility located in the Harpo Lungma area near Skardu. Utilising the water flow from the Harpo Nullah — a tributary of the Indus River—it is designed to produce approximately 170 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean energy annually. The ground breaking ceremony was performed by the Honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan in 2024. The project is expected to significantly improve electricity supply in the region, benefiting over 350,000 residents and contributing to Pakistan's renewable energy goals.

During the meeting, the committee discussed the issues related to the Project, the financial mechanism with the foreign donor, AFD, and the financing gap in the PC-I. The Minister instructed the concerned departments to take up the unresolved issues with the appropriate forums for immediate resolution and directed that all land-related records be thoroughly documented and maintained.

Federal Minister further emphasised that the entire process must remain transparent, with regular updates and access to information for stakeholders and the public. All financial disbursements, he stressed, must strictly follow the guidelines of the Government of Pakistan.

He reiterated the government's commitment to projects that promote equitable development.