Daily Times

Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, has publicly criticised all those who have opposed the dam building projects and labelled them as having an agenda. Well, I have an agenda, that is the interest of my country. I am sure his is the same. However, we seem to be standing on the opposite side of the spectrum, he wants to build the dam whereas i think that will not be a wise move.

Technically knowledgeable people who oppose the Diamer-Bhasha Dam do so because the site is located on a fault-line; a highly seismic zone, which makes it unsafe. Among the disadvantages of such a zone is that it is also prone to frequent rock and mudslides; like the one that resulted in the formation of an unplanned lake at Attabad. Furthermore, in an attempt to make it more economically viable, its height has been increased from 600 feet to 908 feet and, instead of conventionally compacted concrete, roller compacted concrete will be used. So far, no roller compacted dam has been constructed at over 600 feet.

Knowledgeable people who oppose the Diamer-Bhasha Dam do so because the site is located on a fault-line; a highly seismic zone, which makes it unsafe. Among the disadvantages of such a zone is that it is also prone to frequent rock and mudslides; like the one that resulted in the formation of an unplanned lake at Attabad. Furthermore, in an attempt to make it more economically viable, its height has been increased from 600 feet to 908 feet and, instead of conventionally compacted concrete, roller compacted concrete will be used

As far as the last issue stated above is concerned, perhaps technology has progressed farther than we know; and roller compacted concrete can now withstand greater water pressure than before. But we need to confirm that. We should also confirm that the dam is not being built in a highly seismic zone which, apart from earthquakes, could also be threatened by rock slides; or that the technology is now available to prevent seismic activity and rockslides in the zone. If the life saving dam turns into a life threatening disaster, the nation will suffer collectively.

Furthermore, there are other alternatives which can be explored. The Attabad Lake was formed because of a natural disaster, it could perhaps be used of as a smaller dam. The Indus runs in that region, alternating between relatively wider streams and high narrow gorges. Wherever it runs through narrow gorges, it is a high raging torrent, particularly during summers. It can therefore support several projects like Ghazi-Barotha, at far less cost. Such projects could provide as much, if not more electricity during summers. And since in winters, less electricity is consumed at least domestically, it might still suffice. In any event, between Attabad and the gorges, enough electricity could be generated at a tithe of the cost.

Therefore, I humbly request the Chief Justice to address these issues and ease the mind of this unlettered soldier who could not find it in him to ignore his misgivings.

The writer is a retired brigadier. He is also former vice president and founder of the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI)

Published in Daily Times, September 19^th 2018.