WAPDA Embarks Upon Constructing Atta Abad Hydropower Project

In yet another significant development towards socio-economic uplift of Gilgit Baltistan (GB), the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has embarked upon constructing Atta Abad Lake Hydropower Project.

WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen Muzammil Hussain (Retd) stated this during his visit to the proposed site of the project located on River Hunza, 20 Kilometer (Km) upstream of Karim Abad and 130 Km from Gilgit. GB Chief Secretary, WAPDA General Manager (Hydro Planning), General Manager (Projects) Northern Areas and other officers concerned were also present during the visit.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman said that Atta Abad Lake Hydropower Project, with installed generation capacity of 50 MW, will prove to be instrumental in meeting the electricity demand of Hunza and Nagar valleys, triggering economic activities and improving tourism facilities in the area. He said that WAPDA has released funds amounting to Rs.22 million to its Hydro Planning formation for carrying out feasibility study of the project through in-house expertise. The feasibility study is likely to be completed by the first quarter of 2021. After completion of feasibility study, detailed engineering design, award of contract and commencement of construction work, Atta Abad Lake Hydropower Project will be completed in four years, he added.

Earlier, the Chairman was briefed that initial survey work has been substantially finalized, while the teams for neo-tectonic survey and geological mapping have been mobilized to the site. In addition, detailed sub-surface geotechnical investigations and hydrographic survey have also been initiated. The Chairman expressed satisfaction over the progress achieved so far on the project.

WAPDA Chairman also visits Diamer Basha Dam to review construction work
In the second phase of his visit to GB, WAPDA Chairman visited Diamer Basha Dam Project to review construction work on various sites. Diamer Basha Dam General Manager briefed the Chairman on progress of the project.

The Chairman said that it is good to see that construction activities on the project are gaining momentum with each passing day, generating employment opportunities to the people, of Diamer in particular. WAPDA is committed to bring a positive change in lives of the locals with construction of Diamer Basha Dam, hence, progress and prosperity of the people residing in the project area will always be given priority, he concluded.