Mohmand: The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) is poised to commence the partial diversion of the Swat River at the Mohmand Dam Hydropower Project, following the completion of diversion tunnels.
According to Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority, the diversion of the river is scheduled to occur shortly after the completion of a river-closure-dyke. This step marks a significant milestone for the project, particularly during the high flow season. Chairman WAPDA, Engr Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (Retd), recently visited the site to inspect the progress on key construction fronts including the diversion tunnels’ outlets and inlets, powerhouse, spillway, and power intake.
The project team, along with representatives from consulting and contracting firms, briefed the Chairman on the advancements at each construction site. Notable progress includes the completion of concrete lining in diversion tunnel 3/1 and its inlet structure, which is now ready for the upcoming river diversion. Additionally, the excavation and rock support at the powerhouse and power intake are progressing swiftly, along with concreting efforts at the spillway.
During a progress review meeting at the project office, the Chairman emphasized the importance of maintaining the quality of work. Discussions covered the river diversion plan, quarries development, and the construction schedule of the main dam.
The Mohmand Dam, located in the Mohmand District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is set to be the 5th highest concrete-face-rock-fill dam (CFRD) in the world and the tallest in Pakistan. Scheduled for completion between 2026 and 2027, the multipurpose project will store water for agriculture, help control floods, supply water to Peshawar for urban use, and generate environmentally friendly hydroelectric power. It will store 1.29 million acre-feet of water, irrigate 18,237 acres of new land in Mohmand and Charsadda, and supplement irrigation for 160,000 acres of existing land. The dam will also supply 300 million gallons of water daily to Peshawar for drinking purposes and is expected to produce 800 MW of power, generating 2.86 billion units of electricity annually. The projected annual benefits from the dam are estimated at Rs. 51.6 billion.