Procedural backlog: Limited cashflow keeps 200MW power project at bay

Wapda requires Rs108 million to complete the project on Dotara Dam in Haripur.

HARIPUR:

Red tape has delayed the much-needed hydropower-cum-irrigation project of Dotara Dam in Haripur, said officials familiar with the matter.

Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) officials had prepared initial feasibility plans for building a carryover dam upstream Khanpur dam four years ago. The plan was submitted to the planning commission for funding along with a detailed study, but to date Wapda requires Rs108 million to complete the project.

According to the initial plan, Dotara Dam was to have a storage capacity of 100,000 acre feet (AF) of water and generate 200 (megawatts) MW of electricity using the available quantity of water, which would be dropped back into the reservoir. The plan also stated Dotara would protect Khanpur Dam, where the water storage capacity has been reduced from 94,000 to 82,000 AF from silt, and extend its lifespan by over 100 years.

Haripur would earn substantial royalties from the dam, which would also protect the land being eroded by Harro River, said people familiar with the matter.

Official documents suggest Dotara Dam would change the hilly and barren land of Jabri village and surrounding areas into arable land, thereby enabling farmers to grow cash crops, develop orchards and earn a better living.  “This project would have generated agro-based economic activities that could have helped people achieve food security,” said an official, requesting not to be named.

The plan also explained Dotara Dam would help control flooding in areas downstream of Khanpur, while ensuring water was stored for tourism and agricultural purposes. The documents suggest the project had the potential to promote tourism by attracting visitors to Rawal Lake and Khanpur reservoir.

Owing to the absence of an upstream water reservoir, the Khanpur Dam spills out around 70,000 to 100,000 AF of water annually. Most of this spilling occurs in the monsoon season. “Dotara Dam was meant to prevent this spillage while simultaneously enhancing irrigation and raising the water table,” the official said.

Khanpur Dam Project Director Asim Rauf confirmed Wapda authorities were busy getting approval for the required funding from the planning commission. He could not confirm how long it would take for the necessary approval.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 28^th, 2013.