WAPDA Progresses on Mohmand Dam Construction, Set to Divert River Swat

The Water & Power Development Authority (WAPDA) is making significant strides in the construction of Mohmand Dam, as preparations are underway to divert the course of River Swat in April this year. The diversion system of the project is on track, adhering to the stipulated timelines.

Chairman WAPDA, Engr Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (Retd), conducted a thorough inspection of Mohmand Dam, situated across River Swat in the Mohmand district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. During the visit, he scrutinized the construction sites, including the spillway, diversion tunnels, and powerhouse, alongside a comprehensive review of ongoing construction activities. The visit also saw the presence of Advisor (Projects) WAPDA, GM and PD of the Mohmand Dam Project, as well as consultants and contractors.

Subsequently, the Chairman chaired a progress review meeting at the project office, where discussions encompassed the 12 active construction sites. The project team provided detailed insights into the diversion scheme, concreting and slope stabilization at the spillway, excavation and support works at the powerhouse, tunnel excavation for irrigation, construction of structures across irrigation canals, and finishing works on permanent access roads along both riverbanks.

The Chairman was informed that offices and employees have been permanently relocated to newly constructed facilities within the project area. Additionally, the completion of certain buildings is imminent, facilitating the relocation of the remaining staff.

Highlighting the importance of timely project completion, the Chairman urged contractors to accelerate quarry development activities for the dam and mandated the deployment of additional resources for this purpose.

Mohmand Dam is a versatile project designed to store water for agricultural use, control floods, supply urban water to Peshawar, and generate environmentally friendly hydropower. The project is slated for completion in 2026 and is expected to store 1.29 million acre-feet of water, irrigating 18,237 acres of new land in Mohmand and Charsadda while enhancing irrigation supplies to 160,000 acres of existing land.

With an installed power capacity of 800 MW and an annual energy generation of 2.86 billion units, Mohmand Dam will contribute significantly to the region's energy needs. Additionally, it aims to provide 300 million gallons of water daily to Peshawar for drinking purposes, with estimated annual benefits totaling Rs51.6 billion.