Senate Panel Raises Alarm Over Balochistan Dam Projects Amid Cost Concerns

ISLAMABAD: A Senate subcommittee on Less Developed Areas has expressed serious concerns regarding the escalating costs, delays, and potential negative impacts of major dam projects in Balochistan. The committee has directed relevant authorities to conduct fresh assessments and submit detailed reports on these projects.

The meeting, chaired by Senator Jan Muhammad Baloch, took place in Islamabad, where officials from the Planning Commission and other relevant departments provided briefings on projects being implemented under the Aghaz-i-Haqooq-i-Balochistan Package. Senator Baloch specifically raised alarms over the Panjgur Dam, cautioning that restricting the natural flow of the main river could adversely affect local communities and traditional irrigation systems.

In addition, the committee scrutinized the significant increase in the revised cost of the Gish Kaur Storage Dam, which has surged from Rs11 billion to Rs44 billion. Members questioned the financial viability of the project and its benefits for local residents, emphasizing the need for a thorough reassessment.

Looking ahead, the committee has requested detailed reports from Suparco and Wapda, particularly concerning the potential impacts on the local population and surrounding areas. The next steps include further evaluations of the projects and an upcoming meeting to discuss the findings and recommendations.