Indus River Diversion Set for November
LAHORE: The Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) plans to redirect the Indus River to the Diamer-Basha Dam project through a one-kilometer-long diversion tunnel and an 800-meter-long diversion canal by November this year.
During a recent visit to the dam site, Wapda Chairman Lt-Gen (retd) Sajjad Ghani was informed that the Indus River would flow through the diversion system and rejoin its natural course downstream of the main dam site, according to a Wapda spokesperson.
The dam is currently under construction on the Indus River, approximately 40 kilometers downstream from Chilas. The spokesperson stated that the river diversion is a crucial step in the implementation of this large-scale, multi-purpose project.
“Construction work is progressing at 13 different sites. The upstream starter dam, which will facilitate the river diversion in stage-1, has been completed. Work on the downstream starter dam is currently underway and is expected to be finished by November to enable stage-1 diversion,” he added.
During the visit, the Wapda chairman received a briefing on the progress of the diversion canal, which will be utilized during the high-flow season. The briefing also covered the project’s targets and achievements.
Subsequently, the chairman conducted a comprehensive inspection of various sites, including the diversion tunnel, diversion canal, up and downstream starter (coffer) dams, and the downstream permanent bridge. He also inaugurated a newly-constructed field hospital at the project site.
The spokesperson further stated that the chairman also visited the Dasu Hydropower Project and reviewed the ongoing construction activities. The project, with a capacity of 4,320MW, will be completed in two stages. APP
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