By Faridat Salifu
Construction on the Mohmand Dam, set to be Pakistan’s tallest dam, has hit the 35% completion mark, with the Swat River successfully diverted to facilitate the next phase of building.
This major milestone was confirmed by Project Director and General Manager of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Asim Rauf Khan, along with Chief Engineer Fasih Ullah.
Scheduled for completion in 2027, Mohmand Dam will serve as a significant infrastructure project for the nation, generating up to 800 megawatts of electricity annually.
The dam will store 1.29 million acre-feet of water, which will be crucial for both power generation and water security, particularly for Peshawar. Once operational, it will supply the city with an estimated 300 million gallons of drinking water each day, helping to meet the region’s growing demand.
Positioned as the world’s fifth tallest dam, Mohmand Dam will boast a seven-gate structure capable of generating over 2,800 gigawatts of electricity per year.
It also promises to mitigate flood risks in nearby districts, including Charsadda and Nowshera, and support agricultural development by irrigating approximately 16,000 acres of farmland. The dam’s estimated annual benefits stand at Rs51.6 billion, according to WAPDA estimates.
The project’s progress has included the acquisition of 99% of the necessary land—approximately 8,688 acres—impacting only 87 households.
However, officials acknowledged that rising dollar exchange rates could lead to increased project costs, although specific figures were not disclosed.
With nearly all tunnel construction completed, the project remains on track to deliver its full benefits in the coming years, marking a major step forward in Pakistan’s renewable energy and water management capabilities.
