Mangla Dam’s Crucial Role in National Development Highlighted During Chairman’s Visit

Mangla: The Mangla Dam’s significant contribution to the socio-economic advancement of the country was underscored during a recent visit by Chairman WAPDA, Eng Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (Retd). The visit included inspections of key components such as the main dam, Jari dam site, and the powerhouse.

According to a statement by Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority, the Chairman received a comprehensive briefing on the Mangla Dam and its ongoing refurbishment project. The project, with an approved cost of Rs. 52.224 billion, aims to refurbish eight generating units. The first two units were completed in 2022, and the remaining are expected to be finished by 2027-28.

The completion of the refurbishment project is projected to increase the Mangla Hydel Power Station’s capacity from 1000 MW to 1310 MW, boosting annual power generation from 5 billion to 6.6 billion units. Financial support includes a US$150 million grant from USAID and a Euro 90 million loan from AFD France, with additional funds sourced by WAPDA.

Since its construction in 1967, Mangla Dam has played a vital role in irrigation, flood mitigation, and providing low-cost electricity. The dam has contributed 262.67 billion units of electricity to the National Grid. The Mangla Dam Raising Project, initiated in 2004, has improved the dam’s water storage capacity, enhancing its operational lifespan to 281 years.

During the visit, discussions covered the rehabilitation of various components, including the Jari Dam intake gate and tunnel outlet works, alongside issues like reservoir trash screening and de-silting of power stations.

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