Diamer-Bhasha Dam: acquisition of land, other matters discussed

LAHORE: The Implementation Committee on Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand Dams (ICDBMD) met on Tuesday to discuss matters of land acquisition and resettlement for Diamer Bhasha Dam Project.

The ICDBMD was constituted by the Honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan in July 2018 for early commencement and timely completion of Diamer Bhasha and Mohmand Dams.

Since then, the Committee holds its meetings with regular intervals. It was the 8th meeting, which was presided over by ICDBMD/WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen Muhammad Saeed (Retd).

The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan, Joint Secretary (Budget) Finance Division, Senior Member Board of Revenue Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Additional Secretary Ministry of Water Resources, Secretary (P&D) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Deputy Secretary (EA) Prime Minister’s Office, Chief Water (PD & SI), Commissioner Hazara Division, Commissioner Diamer Astore Division, Member (Water) WAPDA, Secretary WAPDA, GM/PD Diamer Bhasha Dam Project, GM (Land Acquisition & Resettlement) WAPDA, GM/PD Mohmand Dam Project, Deputy Commissioner Diamer and others officers concerned. Chairman Ulama Committee Moulana Hazrat Ullah also participated in the meeting.

According to a statement issued by WAPDA headquarters, during the meeting, the Commissioner Diamer Astore briefed the Committee about compliance of the decisions made during the previous meeting; and the issues relating to the affectees’ compensation particularly ‘Missing and Double Chula (Household) Package’.

Later, the GM (Land Acquisition and Resettlement) WAPDA apprised the Committee about the issues of the leftover land, mutation of land, Ginni Pozzolan, Tangir Hydropower Project and the boundary dispute along the right bank of River Indus. Progress on ‘the 2025 Agreement’ reached between the Federal Government and Diamer Ulama Committee was also discussed during the meeting.

Underlining the significance of Diamer Bhasha Dam Project for water, food and energy security of Pakistan, the Chairman WAPDA emphasized upon completion of the Project without further delay.

He was of the view that all stakeholders have to play their due role in this regard. He reiterated that WAPDA stands committed to implementing ‘the 2025 Agreement’ in letter and spirit, however, it is also imperative for the locals to help ensure smooth execution of Diamer Bhasha Dam Project with no hindrances in construction activities at the sites. He also urged GB administration to help fast-track the land acquisition and related processes.

He also asked the locals to become a stakeholder and facilitate in timely completion of the project. He urged the representatives of ‘Haqooq Do Dam Banao Committee’ to educate the people on long term benefits of the project, and instead of causing delay in its execution, should get into a long term and enduring partnership for its allied benefits.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026