Dam in greater national interest
THE recent development on the most disputed but the vital Kalabagh Dam (KBD) demands a mature approach and consensus from all political parties. They should think above provincialism for greater national interest.
It is a reality that no big dam except Tarbela has been made since the the inception of Pakistan. The energy crisis caused by the deficiency of electricity and gas can aptly be overcome by building KBD.
The dam is indispensable for the economy of Pakistan as, according to an estimate, it has the capacity of producing more than 20,000 megawatt of electricity.
The people to be displaced can be compensated by accommodating them in the settled areas on the format China adopted for its people affected by dam construction.
Some sacrifice will have to be rendered in the greater national interest.
The leaders should not exploit this issue for political point-scoring. If Pakistan is self -sufficient in fulfiling its requirements, eventually it will benefit us. We should divert our endeavours from hostilities to cooperation. All stakeholders like the government, the opposition, the masses and the media should extend their full support for transforming their dream into reality.
IMTIAZ AHMAD
Mardan
Urgency
THE Kalabagh Dam is not just an invitation to political suicide, it will give birth to provincialism, and national integrity could be at stake.
The KBD has not been built since the 1970s. Why then this urgency to build it now? Instead of the KBD, the authorities concerned should build small dams as they will be easy to manage. Also, the desiltation issue would be easily resolved.
The existing dams have been rendered inefficient because of silt. As the desiltation cost of a big dam is equivalent to the cost of a new dam, the desiltation of existing dams should be avoided and instead small dams should be built.
MUSTAFA RAJPER
Hyderabad
Smaller dams
THE Kalabagh Dam has become an economic-cum-political issue which has gained momentum after the Lahore High Court verdict.
The provinces are confronting and opposing the dam. However, the interests are concealed under the layer of this issue.
Whether the Kalabagh Dam should be constructed or not, it should be the task of the Planning Commission to opine after assessing the feasibility.
In the recent era, the idea of building larger dams is not popular around the globe due to the deposition of heavy silt in the depth of dams which obviously reduce the space for water reservoir.
It is difficult to remove silt due to requirement of a large number of labour and state machinery.
Besides, seismic factor must also be kept in mind. A large dam may be vulnerable in case of an earthquake, and in the context of Pakistan, the investment and the financial issue is also important as economy is also fragile.
Keeping in view all the above factors, the idea of small dams should be welcomed.
ENGR SABIHA KHAN
Lahore
To meet the the overwhelming energy crises,agrarian requirement and grappling economy of Pakistan , the construction of Kalabagh dam has become need of hour.Nation must read writings on the wall and make honest consensus in the state interests.I am afraid, why are Court’s verdict being ignored without any sense of loss and why are speeches being made for point scoring for the coming election?The issues that are engulfing the Pakistan are being ignored.Kalabagh dam,therefore, has also fallen the prey to political paranoia,our stakeholders are not ready to read the writing on the wall.Undoubtedly,they are cheating to the nation.Energy requirements of Pakistan has been increasing by 1600MW per annum since 2007 while there has nothing done permanently to fullfil this requirement . Eventhough, our rival India is constructing dams on Indus river , we are pondering still.we are wasting the time just in quarreling on meaningless issues.The time is ahead,nation must realize the importance of Kalabagh dam ,otherwise,it will bear the brunt.
I wondering why we are stil sticking to the hydel power at the cost of national unity while the world is already switching to the solar power. Close this case for ever and move forward.
Kalabagh dam is not a dam project. In all its meanings its a irrigation barrage project with a marginal side provision of hydro electric generation of insignificance. Naming it a dam is just a deception. First take out the irrigation canals from it , then only one can call it a dam project. No more cheating on waters please.
Both small and large dams should be considered. this issue is too important for vital national interests to make it a political football. Technical people, including hydrologists and civil engineers should decide this issue. Due to global warming, severe climate changes are likely,and unless we have enhanced water storage facilities with large and small reservoirs. If we fail to think straight we will be faced with severe water shortages and floods. The worst sufferers will be people of my province, Sindh. This problem will be solved by clear thinking and wisdom, not emotionalism and politicking.