Govt prepares plan for construction of water reservoirs

PESHAWAR: The Government of Khyber Pakthunkhwa has chalked out a comprehensive plan for constructing seven mega water projects in the province.

Official sources told APP that it would generate 509 Mega Watt electricity and would irrigate thousands acres barren land in Khyber Pakthunkhwa.

The official said that July 29 floods had badly affected the plan for construction of water reservoirs in Khyber Pakthunkhwa and development funds were diverted to rehabilitation of flood victims. He said the government is now focusing on repair of damaged water and energy infrastructure to produce inexpensive electricity for people.

Under the plan, three more mega hydle projects with the capacity of 56 mega watt electricity would soon be launched with assistance of Asian Development Bank.

The official said work on preparation of initial reports of building of 15 hydle power generation houses would also be carried out besides starting study work to generate electricity through solar energy, air and solid waste.

The government has prepared a comprehensive plan to discover and produce oil and gas reserves and allocated Rs.699 million for 16 projects for this sector that was 59 percent more from last fiscal year.

Khyber Pakthunkhwa has blessed with a hydel potential with capacity to generate 50,000 mega watts but, majority of the water potential has remained untapped due to lackluster attitude of past governments.

Under the action plan 7 projects have been included as a short term measure and upon complete these will generate 509 mega watts. The Energy and Power department with the assistance of Asian Development Bank (ADB) will commence construction work on 36 mega watts Daral, 18 mega watts Ranolia and 2 mega watts Machai hydropower projects.

Similarly, it will also conduct feasibility studies of 15 projects approved under the action plan. In addition to hydel sector, the department will also explore green energy sources through wind, solar and municipal solid waste power projects.

The action plan will fully capitalize the oil and gas reserves for investment and formation of a provincial oil and gas company.