RCB initiates work on third phase of Khanpur Dam

Rawalpindi

Although work on the third phase of Khanpur Dam has been initiated and is likely to be completed by the end of 2017 which largely depends upon availability of required funds.

According to credible sources, Rawalpindi Cantonment Board has sought amount of Rs150 million from the federal government for this purpose. Even MNA Malik Abrar is negotiating with the concerned officials in the government to get this fund for Rawalpindi Cantonment Board. Delay in allocation of funds as demanded by RCB is likely to delay the completion of Khanpur project on schedule.

As per sources, the total cost of the third phase of Khanpur is estimated to be Rs840 million. However, the project cost could increase if work on it is delayed due to non allocation of funds on time.

Moreover due to shortage of funds, RCB has been unable to even clear amount
of operation and maintenance of the Khanpur Project which values upto Rs 740 million.

Similarly, the sources also told that due to non-clearance of liabilities estimating millions of rupees, Wapda often suspends power supply to Khanpur and Sangjani dams which results in acute water shortage in cantonment areas as is being witnessed this summer.

With the completion of first two phases of Khanpur project in 2001 Rawalpindi Cantonment Board since then is getting 9 million cusecs share of water from Khanpur Dam. However, over the last 16 years population has increased but the share of water provided to RCB from Khanpur has not been enhanced from 9 million cusecs. Due to increase in demand of water supply, the problem of water shortage has started to occur, said the sources. The CDA should contemplate this point and make enhancement in the share of water provision to RCB from Khanpur Dam, the sources said.

However, RCB Secretary Qaisar Mahmood who is also media coordinator while dilating on the issue told this scribe that the situation of water level in Khanpur Dam has improved a little after heavy monsoon rains. About 10 per cent improvement has been witnessed in water situation in Khanpur Dam and with more rain; the problem of water shortage would end.

He agreed that RCB has demanded funds from the government worth Rs150 million. Funds for work on Khanpur project is released in phases.

He said payment of liabilities to Wapda is done on instalments and this process is continuing. Similarly, Qaisar Mahmood said that as work on third phase of Khanpur Dam is underway it would be completed on time if funds are provided by the government. Timely allocation of funds is necessary to complete projects on schedule time, he added.

Article source: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/213675-RCB-initiates-work-on-third-phase-of-Khanpur-Dam