The Diamer-Bhasha dam project is preparing to cross another major milestone, as the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) declared that roller-compacted concrete (RCC) work on the main structure will begin early next year. This stage will follow the completion of ongoing excavation and trial work by the end of 2025.
On Tuesday, WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Muhammad Saeed visited the massive construction site, located about 40 kilometers downstream of Chilas in Gilgit-Baltistan. During the visit, he inspected key areas, including the crushing plant, diversion tunnel, dam pit, abutments, RCC trial section, and conveyor belt tunnel.
While reviewing the progress, the chairman kept on urging the contractors to accelerate work by deploying additional resources to avoid delays. He also gave the relevant instructions to the project teams and consultants to adopt a “proactive approach” in resolving bottlenecks, emphasizing the national importance of timely completion.
Security arrangements for the strategically significant project were also reviewed, reflecting its critical role in Pakistan’s future water and energy security.
Social Development Commitments
Alongside the dam’s construction, WAPDA has invested heavily in uplift schemes for the local population. So far, Rs 78.5 billion has been spent on resettlement, healthcare, education, and infrastructure improvements for communities displaced by the project.
Read more: Pakistan blows up dam embankments to save major cities from super flood
One of the major key initiatives includes the Chilas Cadet College, which is built by WAPDA at a cost of Rs 2.1 billion. Such projects are considered to be part of WAPDA’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, guaranteeing local communities also benefit from this mega venture.
World’s Tallest RCC Dam
The Diamer-Bhasha Dam, once completed, will stand 272 meters tall, making it the highest RCC dam in the world. Its gross storage capacity of 8.1 million acre-feet (MAF) will allow irrigation of 1.23 million acres of agricultural land, significantly boosting the food security of Pakistan.
Besides this, the project has an installed power generation capacity of 4,500 megawatts, capable of supplying 18 billion units of clean and affordable electricity annually to the national grid. This will not only minimize dependence on costly fossil fuels but also cut carbon footprint of Pakistan.
National Impacts of the Project
• Provision of water security: The dam will maintain water flows. This will lead to the storing of vital reserves and mitigate flood risks ultimately.
• Energy Production: With 18 billion units of electricity annually, it will cut back the energy deficit and lower costs.
• Agriculture Growth: Irrigating over a million acres is going to strengthen food production and rural livelihoods.
• Regional Development: Resettlement schemes and CSR projects are making bigger transformations in health, education, and infrastructure in Gilgit-Baltistan.
• Environmental Benefits: Clean hydropower will assist in reducing over-dependence on imported fuel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
As the RCC work is set to begin in 2026, the Diamer-Bhasha Dam is entering a decisive stage. Once completed, it will stand not only as an engineering marvel but also as a symbol of Pakistan’s resilience in tackling water, energy, and food security challenges.