Diamer-Bhasha Dam: A Vision for Pakistan’s Water and Energy Security


!Diamer-Bhasha Dam

Diamer-Bhasha Dam, situated on the River Indus between Kohistan district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Diamer district in Gilgit Baltistan, is a monumental project that holds immense significance for Pakistan. Let’s explore its key features and impact:


  • Foundation and Ambition:

  1. The foundation stone for Diamer-Bhasha Dam was laid by the then Prime Minister of Pakistan in 1998.
  2. The dam site, near a place called “Bhasha,” is 40 km downstream of Chilas town and approximately 315 km from Tarbela Dam.
  3. Upon completion, it will be the tallest roller compact concrete (RCC) dam in the world with a staggering height of 272 meters.

  • Multipurpose Benefits:

  1. Hydropower Generation: Diamer-Bhasha Dam will produce 4,800 megawatts of electricity through hydro-power generation.
  2. Water Storage: The reservoir will store an additional 10.5 cubic kilometers (8,500,000 acre-feet) of water for Pakistan, crucial for irrigation and drinking purposes.
  3. Extending Tarbela Dam’s Life: Downstream, it will extend the life of Tarbela Dam by 35 years.
  4. Flood Control: During high floods, it will help control flood damage along the River Indus.

  • Engineering Marvel:

  1. The dam is a concreted-filled gravity dam with a roller-compacted concrete (RCC) structure.
  2. It is planned to have a 272-meter spillway with fourteen gates, each measuring 11.5 m × 16.24 m.
  3. The gross capacity of the reservoir will be 10 cubic kilometers (8,100,000 acre-feet), with a live storage of 7.9 cubic kilometers (6,400,000 acre-feet).

  • Underground Powerhouses:

  1. Two underground powerhouses are proposed, one on each side of the main dam.
  2. Each powerhouse will house six turbines, resulting in a total installed capacity of 4,500 MW.

  • Recent Developments:

  1. In May 2020, the Pakistani government signed a contract with a joint venture of China Power and Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) for the construction of the dam.
  2. The project is a vital step toward ensuring Pakistan’s water, food, and energy security.

While Diamer-Bhasha Dam faces long-term challenges, its completion will be a testament to Pakistan’s engineering prowess and commitment to sustainable development. 🇵🇰


Note: This article provides an overview of Diamer-Bhasha Dam and does not delve into every detail.