SAARC chamber urges construction of dams

Pakistan at risk of becoming water-insecure country.

LAHORE: SAARC Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI), an apex body of chambers in the region, has stressed the need for immediate construction of water reservoirs and dams to meet increasing power shortage. Speaking as chief guest at a round table discussion here  Sunday on “ The impact of power shortage on national economy”, vice president Saarc CCI, Pakistan Chapter Iftikhar Ali Malik  said uninterrupted supply of power is a pre-requisite  for country’s economic growth and development. “In view of the power situation confronting the country today, construction of water reservoirs and dams is absolutely necessary to meet water-power shortage,” he said, adding that consensus regarding the construction of dams should be obtained at the earliest.

He said that international experts and studies conducted by international bodies such World Bank, have conducted detailed research and identified certain sites feasible for Kalabagh Dam, from a technical point of view. Malik said new dams are inevitable to meet the ever-increasing demand for inexpensive energy sources, and will also help bring down the cost of essential commodities.

Chairman Committee on Water Shahzad Ali Malik said that if not checked acute water shortage will render Pakistan a water-insecure country. Speaking on the occasion, other experts said that new dams will also help reduce the frequency and severity of flood havoc downstream of river Indus, especially in Sindh.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 7^th,  2011.