Daducha Dam expands into multi-utility project

Study launched for hydropower as pipeline, infrastructure plans accelerate

RAWALPINDI:

A feasibility study is being initiated for the proposed generation of electricity from the state-of-the-art Daducha Dam, which is being constructed at the junction of the Kallar Syedan and Kahuta tehsils of District Rawalpindi.

In addition, instructions have been issued for the immediate preparation of a PC-I and a detailed study for laying new large-scale water pipelines to supply water from the dam to Rawalpindi city.

The dam will also feature a beautifully designed European-style recreational park. Boating and scooting activities will be introduced in the reservoir. Located approximately 25 kilometres from Rawalpindi in Tehsil Kallar Syedan, the project includes the acquisition of 16,194 kanals and 14 marlas of private land, along with extensive tracts of government forest and hilly terrain.

Upon completion, the dam is expected to supply 35 million gallons of water per day to Rawalpindi. Initially proposed in 2001, the project had an estimated cost of only Rs7 billion at the time. However, after a delay of 25 years, the revised cost has escalated dramatically to Rs52,730 million.

All required land for the project has now been formally acquired, and affected residents have vacated the area. The Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) is rapidly progressing with construction work.

Commissioner Rawalpindi Division, Aamir Rafiq, during a visit to the site, stated that there is also potential for electricity generation from the dam. He directed that an immediate study be conducted in this regard, with a report to be submitted accordingly. According to sources, an allocation of Rs20 million is expected to be released soon for this purpose.

He further instructed the Managing Director of WASA to prepare a study and PC-I within the current financial year for the laying of a 25-kilometre water supply pipeline from the dam to Rawalpindi city.

Upon completion of the study, Section 4 will be imposed and the land will be promptly acquired, while experts will determine the route of the pipeline.

The project will also include the construction of overhead water tanks and a large-scale water filtration plant, for which additional land will be acquired.

The Commissioner announced that upon completion of the dam, surrounding settlements will also be provided with a water supply system, and instructions have been issued to prepare a comprehensive scheme in this regard.

It has also been decided to develop the dam as a major recreational and picnic destination for the district, in order to reduce the burden on urban parks and attract visitors from surrounding areas. Facilities such as boating and scooting will be available at Daducha Dam.

Furthermore, the site will be developed as a habitat for migratory birds arriving from Siberia during the harsh winter season.