NEED OF DAMS IN PAKISTAN

Dams are important in every country, not just to help in the hydroelectricity
sector and agriculture but also for the day to day human uses as well. Despite
spending millions on development projects like metro bus and motorways,
the country still lags behind in assuring the most basic human need; water.
There aren’t enough dams in Pakistan; in fact the only major dams built were
only Mangla and Tarbela. Since then, no focus has been given to this area
despite the fact that statistics are nothing but alarming. According to the new
facts and figures, the development of hydropower projects is important in
order to meet the increasing demand. Due to the increasing population, the
per capita water available is decreasing and the natural process of
sedimentation is further deteriorating the situation.
Kalabagh Dam is one matter that is under constant discussion for years
because it is considered to be the only solution that will completely solve this
water crisis. The proposed hydroelectric dam is planned to construct on the
Indus River in the Mianwali district. If this dam gets constructed, it will
generate about 3,600 megawatts of electricity which is a great considering the
current shortage of water and electricity as a result. This project will bring in
multiple benefits and in monetary terms, about 1600 crore will be generated
annually through sale of electricity. In addition to this, it will irrigate about 7
million acre of land which will be provided to all 4 provinces. Punjab has
been in the favor of this project but Sindh and KPK on the other hand are
opposing this due to a number of political and technical reasons. Keeping this
aside, the need for dams cannot be ignored and it is time for governments to
put aside their differences and take this matter seriously.
Now, with the PTI’s government in control, a huge responsibility stays on
their shoulder. Currently, the biggest issue that Pakistan is facing is of the
water crisis and the consequent electricity shortage. Dams are thought to be
the only solution to this and it is high time that concerned authorities realize
the sensitivity of this situation and take control as soon as possible.