The Balochistan Public Health Engineering (PHE) department?submitted a feasibility report for three major dams to address Quetta’s serious water shortage.
Further details revealed that the feasibility report and PC 1 of the Babar Kach Dam, Halak Dam and Brij Aziz Khan Dam, with a total estimated cost of Rs. 143 billion, have been prepared.
Sources reported that Quetta, the capital of Balochistan, has been facing?a severe water crisis for many years?with the underground water level falling at an alarming rate every day.
In addition, the provincial government is planning to approach the federal government about incorporating these dams into the federal PSDP, or Private Sector Development Program, which will run from 2023 to 2024.
According to officials, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo will request that the federal PSDP include dam projects worth Rs. 73 billion for the Babar Kach Dam, Rs. 48 billion for the Burj Aziz Khan Dam, and Rs. 22 billion for the Halak Dam.
The provincial government wishes that the construction of these dams will relieve Quetta’s water crisis.
Last year, the construction of a new dam started in Sanghar Town, DG Khan district with the purpose to collect rainwater.
Surra Dam was expected to cost PKR 8 billion. The project’s construction began in December of the previous year, with the dam expected to be completed in five years.
In this regard, a Project Management Office for Punjab Barrages, Rehabilitation, and Modernization official said that the government will soon reveal a water conversation plan that will deliver water up to 10,000 acres of land.
The official also disclosed that the Asian Development Bank has funded the project’s planning, while the provincial government will contribute to construction costs.
He added that section 4 of the land acquisition has been completed, with 1,700 acres acquired for the project.