Pakistan is making significant progress in water storage and irrigation through the construction of 18 New Dams across the country. According to Federal Minister for Water Resources Mueen Wattoo, these projects will cost Rs 1,036 billion, with the entire funding provided by the federal government.
Presenting details in the National Assembly, the minister said that once completed, these dams will have the capacity to store 8.231 million acre-feet of water. This will also make 346,447 acres of additional land available for cultivation, boosting the country’s agricultural output.
Among the ongoing projects, the Diamer-Bhasha Dam stands out as the largest, with the capacity to store 6.4 million acre-feet of water. This single project is expected to play a key role in addressing Pakistan’s water scarcity challenges and improving energy generation through hydropower.
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Wattoo also revealed that provincial governments are currently building 77 more dams, costing an estimated Rs 89.243 billion. These projects are being managed separately at the provincial level but will collectively strengthen Pakistan’s water resource management.
In addition to the dams under construction, the federal government is planning 10 new dam projects in various parts of the country. The planned sites include Chiniot, Skardu, Wazirabad, Dhandhial, Akhori, and the Sindh Barrage, among others. These future projects aim to further enhance water storage, flood control, and irrigation facilities.
Experts believe that once these dams are completed, Pakistan will see significant benefits, including reduced flooding risks, increased agricultural productivity, and improved drinking water supply in many regions. Hydropower generation from these dams will also contribute to the country’s renewable energy capacity, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
The government has emphasized that all projects are being monitored to ensure timely completion, as water scarcity remains a critical issue in Pakistan. Officials say that investment in large-scale water infrastructure is essential for meeting the needs of a growing population and ensuring long-term food and energy security.
FAQs
1. How many new dams are under construction in Pakistan?
Eighteen major dams are currently being built across the country.
2. What is the total cost of these New Dams projects?
The construction will cost Rs 1,036 billion, fully funded by the federal government.
3. Which dam has the largest water storage capacity?
The Diamer-Bhasha Dam, with 6.4 million acre-feet of capacity.
4. Are provincial governments also building dams?
Yes, provincial governments are constructing 77 additional dams worth Rs 89.243 billion.
5. What new dams are being planned?
Planned projects include dams in Chiniot, Skardu, Wazirabad, Dhandhial, Akhori, and the Sindh Barrage.
