Recommendations of ICDBMD endorsed by SC: Wapda

M RAFIQUE GORAYA

LAHORE: The Supreme Court has provided the much needed and long awaited impetus for early and timely commencement of both mega Diamer Bhasha and Mohmand dams as none of the previous governments had taken any initiative to build a mega reservoir for the purpose of storage of water and cheap hydel power generation since 1975 after completion of Tarbela dam on the river Indus, Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) said here on Thursday

It said a comprehensive set of recommendations devised by Implementation Committee for Diamer Bhasha and Mohmand Dams (ICDBMD) was placed before the Supreme Court for early commencement and timely completion of Diamer Bhasha and Mohmand Dams.

The court has endorsed the recommendations of the Committee

It said a historic breakthrough has been achieved by the Committee in finding a solution to the decade old resettlement issue of Diamer Bhasha project affectees where in a new compensation formula for resettlement was recommended and endorsed by the Court. This will greatly help to address the needs and wishes of the local population and assist in early commencement of work.

It further said that presently the Apex Court has also endorsed the recommendation of the Committee to acquire the land at fast pace in former Mohmand Agency. It was also highlighted that comprehensive CBMs in the area will greatly benefit the local populace and assist them in medical, education and communication facilities besides tremendous job opportunities.

The court directed that all Ministries/Departments must undertake measures for an effective mechanism to ensure early commencement of the projects to ensure right of life to people of Pakistan.

Chief Justice Saqib Nisar appreciated the quality and speedy work of the Committee headed by Chairman WAPDA Lt Gen Muzammil Hussain (Retd).

It is worth mentioning that in pursuance of directive of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, the State Bank of Pakistan has established “Supreme Court of Pakistan’s Diamer Bhasha and Mohmand Dams Fund” for raising funds for the construction of Diamer Bhasha and Mohmand Dams. It is learnt the Fund has received donations of Rs 1 billion in a short span to time from general public, institutions, organizations etc.