In a significant step toward addressing the country\u2019s growing water storage needs and improving agricultural productivity, the Government of Pakistan has announced that 18 large dams are currently under construction across the nation. These ambitious projects, costing a total of Rs 1,036 billion, are part of the federal government\u2019s long-term strategy to enhance water security, boost irrigation capacity, and strengthen the country\u2019s resilience against drought and climate change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Details of these projects were formally presented in the National Assembly by Federal Minister for Water Resources, Moin Wattoo, during a session focused on national water development initiatives. The minister explained that the federal government is fully funding the construction of all 18 major dams under the current program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once completed, the new dams will collectively provide an impressive water storage capacity of 8,231,984 acre-feet. This additional capacity will enable the irrigation of 346,447 acres of agricultural land, significantly improving food security and rural livelihoods. Among these, the Diamer-Bhasha Dam stands out as the largest project, with the ability to store 6.4 million acre-feet of water. Located in Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, this dam is also expected to contribute substantially to hydroelectric power generation, further boosting Pakistan\u2019s renewable energy capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Minister Wattoo stressed that these water projects are critical for Pakistan\u2019s future, given the challenges posed by rapid population growth, fluctuating rainfall patterns, and the impacts of climate change. He noted that in addition to the federal projects, provincial governments are also actively working on their own dam construction initiatives. Currently, provincial authorities are developing 77 dams across different regions, with a combined estimated cost of Rs 89.243 billion. These projects range from small and medium-sized reservoirs aimed at local irrigation needs to larger dams that will supply water for agriculture and domestic use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The minister highlighted that while significant progress has been made, Pakistan\u2019s water storage capacity is still below optimal levels for a country of its size and agricultural dependence. The additional dams, therefore, will not only help manage seasonal water availability but will also serve as a safeguard during years of drought, ensuring a more consistent supply of water to farmers and urban centers alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to the 18 dams already under construction, the federal government has ambitious plans to initiate 10 more dam projects in the near future. Planning work is currently underway for new dams in Chiniot, Skardu, Wazirabad, Daddhniyal, Akhori, and the Sindh Barrage project, among others. These future projects will be strategically located to address both regional and national water distribution challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Sindh Barrage project, in particular, is expected to improve water management in one of the country\u2019s most agriculturally important yet water-stressed provinces. Similarly, the Skardu dam will serve as a vital resource for both agricultural and hydropower needs in the mountainous regions, while the Akhori and Chiniot dams will strengthen water supply for central Punjab\u2019s farming belt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Minister Wattoo emphasized that the construction of these dams will also provide multiple indirect benefits to the national economy. These include job creation during the construction phase, improved groundwater recharge, enhanced flood control capabilities, and increased hydroelectric power generation potential. Additionally, the reservoirs will offer opportunities for fisheries, tourism, and recreational activities, contributing to local economies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The government has underscored the importance of maintaining strict timelines and quality standards during construction. Given the massive investment involved, monitoring and oversight mechanisms have been put in place to ensure transparency and efficiency in the execution of these projects. The Ministry of Water Resources, in coordination with the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), is overseeing the progress of federal dam projects, while provincial water authorities are responsible for their respective initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pakistan has historically faced challenges in water resource management, with per capita water availability declining sharply over the past few decades. Experts attribute this to a combination of factors, including inefficient irrigation practices, inadequate storage facilities, and the effects of climate change on rainfall and glacier melt patterns. The current dam-building program is aimed at reversing this trend, securing a more reliable water supply for both agricultural and domestic needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Diamer-Bhasha Dam, in particular, is expected to play a transformative role in Pakistan\u2019s water and energy landscape. Besides its massive storage capacity, it is designed to generate over 4,500 megawatts of hydroelectric power, providing clean energy to millions of households and industries. This will help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower the overall cost of electricity in the long term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Similarly, other under-construction dams such as Mohmand Dam and Dasu Hydropower Project will contribute both to water storage and power generation. Mohmand Dam, for instance, will have the capacity to store over 1.2 million acre-feet of water and generate 800 megawatts of electricity, while also helping control floods in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The minister concluded his address in the National Assembly by reaffirming the government\u2019s commitment to completing all projects within the planned timelines, stressing that water security is not just a development goal but a national survival imperative. \u201cEvery drop stored is a step toward a secure and prosperous Pakistan,\u201d he said, calling for collective support from all political stakeholders to ensure the uninterrupted completion of these projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Pakistan moves forward with this historic water infrastructure expansion, experts say that complementary measures will be needed to maximize the benefits. These include modernizing irrigation systems, promoting water conservation practices, and improving water governance to prevent misuse and wastage. With these combined efforts, the country hopes to turn the tide on its water crisis and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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