Mangla Dam Project to raise energy output by 12 pc in Pakistan
By Umer Sohail - Pakistan Times Staff Reporter

MANGLA: With the completion of Mangla Dam Raising Project worth Rs62.5billion, annual water availability for irrigation purposes would increase by 2.88 MAF, while the annual energy output is expected to increase about 12per cent of the present energy production from Mangla.

Since the construction of Tarbela Dam, the MDRP is the first mega project launched in this sector.

During a briefing to the visiting journalists at Mangla Dam, General Manager Project North WAPDA Brig Mushtaq Ahmed explained that a provision for raising the dam was kept in the original design of Mangla Dam. He added it would be raised by 30 feet (9.1 m) to enhance power generation and stem floods.

As for the existing capacity of water storage in the country, heavy sediment inflows were reducing capacity of all the three major storages, Tarbela, Mangla and Chashma.

An estimate depicts that by the year 2010 these three storages will lose about 33per cent (6 MAF) of their original capacity, which implies the loss of one mega storage project.

Statistics on Storages

The statistics show the existing storages could store only 11per cent of the total available surface water while there is potential for saving 65 MAF whereas on average about 35 MAF water escapes annually into sea.

The MDRP is one of WAPDA’s projects to meet water storage challenges. The Mangla Dam’s original storage capacity was 5.88 MAF in 1967 but by 2002 it lost 1.16 MAF (20%). According to the projected figures, by 2010 it would lose another 7per cent of the capacity.

The MDRP includes raising of the dam and main spillway without making any alterations or additions in the power generation units.

The Spillway

The main spillway of the dam was unique in nature and went through a successful test in 1992 with maximum waterflow of one million cusecs.

American engineer who designed this spillway was given special award by the American government.

Perspective

The engineering plan of the MDRP was completed in February 2004 and contract was awarded to a joint venture of one Chinese and five Pakistani contractors.

The China International Water and electric Corporation (CWE) is leading this Mangla Joint Venture (MJV) while five Pakistani contractors include DESCON Ltd, Sardar M Ashraf D Baluch Ltd, Interconstruct Ltd, Gammon Pakistan Ltd and Sachal Engineering Works Ltd.

The construction work started on June 20, 2004 and is scheduled to end in 39 months by September 2005. Moreover, 21 per cent of the total workforce comprises local people and this percentage is expected to rise in future.

Compensation and Resettlement

Out of the total project cost of Rs 62.5b, Rs 36 billion will be spent on compensation and resettlement works. Land for the New City near Mirpur and four small towns on the reservoir periphery have already been earmarked and a contract for the construction of primary and secondary roads at the cost of Rs 1,026.5 million has been awarded.

The affectees will get plots of five marla to one kanal on payment of cost of land while five marla plots will be given free of cost to refugee settlers on the land of WAPDA and Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The resettlement package includes the construction of a bridge on river Jhelum at Dhangali, establishment of a Vocational Training Institute (VTI) in New City, Vocational Training Schools in four new town, strengthening of four existing Dastkari schools for females and vocational training from outside sources.

The land compensation will be given at market price plus 15per cent compulsory acquisition charges and owners will be allowed to cultivate their land during recession.

Housing Units

As for the housing units, the affectees will get replacement cost of house, which will be in addition to 10per cent amount for the same purpose while the owners will also be allowed to carry salvage material (malba) of their houses.

The MDRP also carries compensation for the old affectees of the Mangla Dam. They include 7,707 families and each family will receive Rs 200,000.

The AJK government will get net hydel profit @0.l5/kWh while five additional Grid Stations as per 2002-2007 plan will also be constructed at Chatter Pari. Moreover, the AJK will have hydropower projects up to 300 MW capacity.●