ISLAMABAD:
Water sector development in the next financial year is expected to face a significant reduction in funding, with the government proposing allocations of Rs179 billion against a required outlay of Rs969 billion.
According to sources, the Ministry of Water Resources had projected a total requirement of Rs969 billion for ongoing and planned development projects. However, the government has proposed to allocate only Rs179 billion, reflecting a substantial downward adjustment in available funding.
The next development budget includes 41 ongoing projects, while only one new project has been incorporated. The only new initiative concerns a power generation facility linked to the Diamer-Bhasha dam.
For this new project, Rs500 million have been proposed. Besides, Rs25 billion has been suggested for the Diamer-Bhasha dam itself, while Rs7 billion is proposed for land acquisition related to the project.
The hydropower generation facility attached to Diamer-Bhasha is part of the wider investment framework prioritized under the new budget.
Funding has also been proposed for several large hydroelectric and water infrastructure projects underway. These include 25 billion rupees for the Dasu hydropower project, 39 billion rupees for the Mohmand Dam and 428 million rupees for the rehabilitation of the Warsak hydropower station.
For irrigation and water supply projects, Rs 500 million has been proposed for the Kachhi Canal project, while Rs 13 billion has been earmarked for the Greater Karachi Water Supply Project.
Additionally, Rs 5.76 billion is proposed for the installation of a telemetry system on the Indus River, aimed at improving real-time water monitoring and management.
For expansion and improvement of existing storage capacity, Rs 4.59 billion has been allocated for the Mangla Dam Expansion Project, while Rs 3.40 billion has been suggested for the fifth phase of Tarbela Hydropower Project expansion.
According to official estimates, the Dasu hydropower project has a total cost of over Rs 1,737 billion.
The Diamer-Bhasha Dam is estimated to cost Rs 479 billion, while its power generation component is valued at Rs 174 billion.
The Mohmand Dam project has an estimated initial cost of 309 billion rupees.
