Diamer Bhasha Dam project ready for commencement of physical work, PM told.

ISLAMABAD -- Prime Minister Imran Khan was informed on Monday that as per his directions all issues related to the critically important Diamer Bhasha Dam, including settlement, detailed roadmap for mobilization of financial resources etc. had been resolved and the project was ready for commencement of physical work.

Chairing a meeting here on national water security strategy and construction of dams to meet agricultural as well as energy requirements of the country, the prime minister expressed satisfaction over the progress made so far and directed to immediately start construction activities of the dam.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Water Resources Mohammad Faisal Vawda, Minister for Planning Asad Umar, Minister for Information Senator Shibli Faraz, Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Ali Amin Gandapur, Special Assistant to the PM on Information Lt. Gen. (R) Asim Saleem Bajwa, Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Chairman Lt. Gen. (R) Muzammil Hussain and other senior officers.

The prime minister was briefed in detail about the progress of resolution of all pending issues related to the construction of Diamer Bhasha Dam.

The meeting was informed that the Diamer Bhasha project had remained stuck for decades due to various reasons. It was told that the dam's construction would create 16,500 jobs and utilize huge quantity of cement and steel, which would give boost to the industry, besides its main purposes of water storage and producing 4500 MW of cheap and affordable electricity for meeting energy requirements of the country.

The 6.4 MAF (Million Acre Feet) water storage capacity of the dam would reduce the current water shortage in the country of 12 MAF to 6.1 MAF. It would add 35 years to the life of Tarbela Dam by reducing sedimentation. An area of 1.23 million acres of land would be brought under agriculture due to the dam.

It was informed that an amount of Rs. 78.5 billion would be spent for social development of the area around Diamer Bhasha Dam as part of the project. It would also be a major source of flood mitigation and save billions worth of damages caused by flood each year.

The prime minister said ensuring...