Construction of the Mohmand Dam Project, initiated by the government in 2019, continues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The project aims to manage floods, supply irrigation water for extensive farmland, and produce hydropower. The concrete-faced rockfill dam, reaching 700 feet in height, will store water to support an 800MW powerhouse.

On Monday, Wapda Chairman, retired Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani, visited the site to assess ongoing work. He examined progress on the spillway, upstream and downstream cofferdams, diversion tunnels, powerhouse, and power intake. The project director, alongside consultants and contractors, updated him on goals and advancements across various areas. They reported that concreting on the spillway is ahead of schedule. The downstream cofferdam has reached its intended height, while the upstream cofferdam is expected to hit its peak elevation of 414 meters above sea level by April this year. Excavation for the main dam pit and side slope stripping is underway, as is work on the power tunnel, penstocks, and manifold/shaft access tunnels. Efforts on irrigation tunnels, rock support, and the left-side main canal construction are also progressing.

Following the site visit, Ghani chaired a meeting at the project office to review progress. Discussions covered quarry development, large-scale triaxial machine testing, and electrical and mechanical design and manufacturing. He emphasized the critical role of quarry development for the main dam’s construction, encouraging contractors to reassess their approach and allocate more resources to this task. Ghani instructed the project team, consultants, and contractors to meet deadlines while maintaining quality standards.

A Wapda spokesperson stated that the Mohmand Dam Project, located across the River Swat in Mohmand district, ranks as the fifth tallest concrete-face-rock-fill dam globally. The initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing water management and energy production in the region. The dam’s multifaceted purpose - flood control, irrigation, and hydropower - positions it as a significant development for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The project’s steady advancement, as observed during the chairman’s visit, highlights coordinated efforts among the involved parties. With key components like the spillway and cofferdams progressing, the focus remains on ensuring timely completion. The ongoing excavation and construction activities underscore the scale of work required to bring the dam and its associated facilities to full operation.

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