RAWALPINDI:
A feasibility study is being initiated for the proposed generation of electricity from the advanced Daducha Dam which is being constructed at the junction of Kallar Syedan and Kahuta tehsils in District Rawalpindi.
In addition, instructions have been issued for the immediate preparation of a PC-I and a detailed study to lay new major water pipelines to supply water from the dam to Rawalpindi city.
The dam will also feature a beautifully designed European-style recreational park. Boating and scooter activities will be introduced in the reservoir. Located approximately 25 kilometers from Rawalpindi in Tehsil Kallar Syedan, the project involves the acquisition of 16,194 kanals and 14 marlas of private land, along with extensive areas of government forest and hilly terrain.
Upon completion, the dam is expected to supply 35 million gallons of water per day to Rawalpindi. Originally proposed in 2001, the project had an estimated cost of just Rs7 billion at the time. However, after a delay of 25 years, the revised cost has escalated dramatically to Rs 52,730 crore.
All the necessary land for the project has now been formally acquired and affected residents have left the area. The Frontier Works Organization (FWO) is making rapid progress with construction work.
Commissioner Rawalpindi Division, Aamir Rafiq, during a visit to the site, stated that there is also potential for power generation from the dam. He directed that an inquiry in this regard be immediately conducted with a report to be submitted accordingly. According to sources, a grant of Rs20 million is expected to be released soon for this purpose.
He further directed WASA Executive Director to prepare a survey and PC-I within the current financial year for the laying of a 25 kilometer long water supply pipeline from the dam to Rawalpindi city.
After the completion of the study, section 4 will be imposed and the land will be immediately acquired, while experts will determine the route of the pipeline.
The project will also include the construction of overhead water tanks and a large-scale water filtration plant, for which additional land will be acquired.
The commissioner announced that on the completion of the dam, surrounding settlements will also be provided with a water supply system and instructions have been issued to prepare a comprehensive scheme in this regard.
It has also been decided to develop the dam as an important recreational and picnic destination for the borough to reduce the burden on city parks and attract visitors from surrounding areas. Facilities like boating and scooting will be available at Daducha Dam.
Furthermore, the site will be developed as a habitat for migratory birds that arrive from Siberia during the harsh winter season.
