The development budget for Pakistan’s water resources projects in the upcoming fiscal year shows a significant shortfall, according to official documents obtained by Samaa TV.
The Ministry of Water Resources had reportedly requested Rs. 969 billion for the next year. However, the government’s proposed allocation stands at around Rs. 179 billion, creating a major gap between demand and funding.
Only one new project included
Documents show that 41 ongoing projects will continue under the next fiscal year’s development plan, while only one new project has been included.
Officials say the limited funding raises concerns over the timely completion of major water infrastructure projects across the country.
Among the proposed allocations is Rs. 500 million for a power generation facility linked to the Diamer-Bhasha Dam.
The project is aimed at facilitating electricity generation from one of Pakistan’s key hydropower developments.
Key project allocations
According to the documents, several major projects are included in the proposed budget:
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Rs. 25 billion for the Dasu Hydropower Project
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Rs. 25 billion for the Diamer-Bhasha Dam
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Rs. 7 billion for land acquisition for Diamer-Bhasha Dam
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Rs. 39 billion for Mohmand Dam
Additional allocations include Rs. 4.28 billion for repair of Warsak Hydropower Station and Rs. 500 million for the Kachi Canal project.
Water infrastructure expansion plans
The Karachi Greater Water Supply project is allocated Rs. 13 billion, while Rs. 5.76 billion is proposed for installation of a telemetry system on the Indus River.
Other allocations include Rs. 4.59 billion for Mangla Dam expansion and Rs. 3.40 billion for the Tarbela Fifth Expansion Project.
Documents indicate that the Dasu Hydropower Project has an estimated total cost exceeding Rs. 1,737 billion.
Diamer-Bhasha Dam is estimated at Rs. 479 billion, with an additional Rs. 174 billion allocated for its power house component.
The Mohmand Dam’s initial estimated cost stands at Rs. 309 billion.
Officials warn that completing major water projects on time will remain a challenge due to limited funding availability in the proposed budget.
