The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government will receive Rs 730 million from Wapda as royalty, net profit and water use charges of Mangla Dam annually into four equal instalments on quarterly basis from this month.
Sources said Federal Water and Power Minister Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao directed Wapda authorities to pay the agreed amount to AJK on regular basis and without any delay.
The minister took serious note of non-payment to AJK as royalty and water use charges of Mangla since June 2003 on regular basis and asked the Authority to clear arrears immediately according to the agreement reached between Wapda and AJK.
Sherpao also expressed displeasure over the slow progress of survey and feasibility reports regarding development schemes mentioned in the agreement as part of the Mangla Raising Project.
He asked Wapda and all other departments concerned to speed up implementation of developmental schemes relating to Mangla Raising Project, including the survey for New Mirpur City along with four model towns and construction of three new grid stations as well as the up-gradation of two grid stations in various parts of AJK.
The minister also directed all ministries and departments concerned to enhance co-operation with the AJK government aimed at accelerating resettlement plan, including compensation as well as rehabilitation of affected families.
Sources said 10 joint ventures for the construction of Mangla Raising Project have been pre-qualified by Wapda, and the tender awarding process would be completed by April this year after finalising all official formalities according to specifications and standards put by Wapda as per memorandum of understanding (MoU) reached between the Government of Pakistan, AJK government and Wapda.
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