Wapda says it is making all possible efforts to remain within the timeframe and complete the project by 2016. PHOTO: FILE
“This agreement is a significant development in efforts to secure financial resources for (completing) the remaining work on under-construction Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project,” said a press release issued by the Water and Power Development Authority here on Tuesday.
The Neelum Jhelum project, being constructed on the Neelum River in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, will not only produce low-cost hydroelectric power to ease electricity shortages in the country, but will also establish priority rights over water. India is also constructing a dam upstream of Neelum Jhelum project to complete it first and win rights over water.
Wapda said that in view of the project’s significance, it was making all possible efforts to remain within the timeframe and complete the project by 2016.
At present, according to Wapda, construction work on all sites is going on satisfactorily. Of the tunnels stretching over 67 km, 34.24 km (51%) have so far been dug, while excavation of an underground power house stands at 75.24% and transformers hall at 96.33%.
Work on Nauseri Bridge over Neelum River has been completed and second-stage diversion of the river has also been given final touches.
After coming on stream, the hydropower project will contribute 5.15 billion units of cheap electricity every year. Annual benefits of the project have been estimated at about Rs45 billion.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 29th, 2013.
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"@rahul:India has given 2 billion dollars to Afghanistan.And you guys are rejoicing on 448 million by the so called “All Weather Friend”. China will give peanuts and eat away all your resource" Doesn't matter China is giving just $448m the most important thing is China never misused its powers against Pakistan and never harmed Pakistan also in any forms and manifestations as USA and India have done and China has proven that it is harmless,sincere and honest Pakistan's comrade.. And as far as your this stance is concerned "In 80′s & 90′s you supported US against India and see at what path your country is" then for your kind information Pakistan is in much better form than 80's and 90's in every sector.....
So what about Rs 35 Neelam-jhelum charge in my electricity bill.
@Polpot: The report is missing details. The loan was issued by Exim Bank of China.
"Dr Waqar Masood, secretary of the Economic Affairs Division, when contacted confirmed that China’s EXIM bank has approved the loan of $448 million for the project. “The loan is a commercial buyer credit in nature.”"
Source: The News. 23rd May, 2013
@Aschraful Makhlooq "Pakistan-China comradeship always long live and we are proud of Pakistan-China comradeship…….."
Just Wait & Watch
@Mj: "It’s a loan, not a handout." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ I could not find the word 'loan 'anywhere in the writeup!
@Aschraful Makhlooq: India has given 2 billion dollars to Afghanistan.And you guys are rejoicing on 448 million by the so called "All Weather Friend". China will give peanuts and eat away all your resource. In 80's & 90's you supported US against India and see at what path your country is. Now your supporting China and soon pakistan will become Chinese colony.After 10years the will rename pakistan with Chinese Name and you guys will rejoice for it.
It's a loan, not a handout.
@Sandip: `" does the Pakistan government still intend to say that it will complete a larger dam, started later than India, before India completes it?" +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ errrrr....in Pakistan we dont take project completion dates very seriously:)
Indians just need to mind their own business. :)
All the money saved by deserting the IP Pipeline Project (:)) may also be diverted to the Neelam Jhelum Project +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
No news of Daimer Bhasha? ++++++++++++++++++ watered down this twice inaugurated project?
@American: Who said and says you to give Pakistan money?Don't give and stop it because US gives money has killed unnumbered innocent and sinless Pakistanis by drones' strikes.... @Sandip: We Pakistanis know very well the India's role in Pakistan's matters and also know it very well that India as usual always has been accusing Pakistan of baseless allegations and accusations. China has never did so with Pakistan as India and US have been doing now and in the past.China is Pakistan's only in the non-muslim countries all weather,time-tested,honest and sincere comrade which fulfilled its comradeship selflessly and now once again by realizing the energy crises of Pakistan offering its sincere,honest and selfless assistance to overcome energy crises....... Pakistan-China comradeship always long live and we are proud of Pakistan-China comradeship........
@Yasin: "India should learn how to be a good neighbor." +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ India is conditioned by its experiences as far as Pakistan is concerned: Kargil Mumbai and so on. Obviously Pakistan need not learn how to be a good neighbor.
There seems to be something fishy about claims of finishing the project in 2016. Simple facts create doubts. India started work on Kishanganga Project in 2007 and expects to complete it by 2016. On the Indian side, the dam has a height of 37 m, on the Pakistani side it's 47 m. Given India's superior expertise in dam construction and engineering (purely based on experience in constructing far more dams than any other capability being considered here), does the Pakistan government still intend to say that it will complete a larger dam, started later than India, before India completes it? Or are we going to see another round of chest beating claims originating around 2016 pointing to Indian perfidies? Can someone more knowledgeable please clarify?
@Yasin: USA has given Pakistan many many times the money China gave you....it did not work. Same thing will happen to China.
@Yasin: India is even better. It wants you to stand on your own 2 feet. It's been 65 years since independence. Long time to stand on your own feet by the way than to go around with a bowl. Grow Up!
China is very good. They always help us with money. India should learn how to be a good neighbour.
@sensible: Yes, these projects take a lot of time! Anyone who tells you decades of underinvestment in energy can be solved instantly is blatantly lying to you!
2016 :O I recommend Pakistan to benefit from China by importing machinery and efficient labors instead of finance so that the pending projects can be completed quickly.
GHOSH! 2016