CM orders accelerating work on Dadocha Dam

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz visited the Dadocha Dam site during her inaugural trip to Rawalpindi, where she reviewed the ongoing construction activities.

FWO officials briefed her on the project's progress, noting that work on the dam resumed in Nov 2023. Maryam Nawaz emphasised the need to deploy additional machinery and workforce at the site to accelerate work across various sections.

The process of releasing water to the spillway is underway, and efforts are ongoing to finalise the revised PC-1 to re-evaluate the land's value, as per the court's decision. Construction at the site is advancing rapidly, with financial progress at 40pc and physical progress at 12pc.

The acquisition of 16,194 kanals and 14 marlas of land from the Rawalpindi and Kalar Syedan areas for the Dadocha Dam, located 25 km from Rawalpindi, has been completed. The dam, with a height of 123 feet, a length of 737 feet, and a catchment area of 129 square miles, is set to be completed by Nov 2025, as per the chief minister's directive.

Pakistan is among the countries expected to face severe water scarcity in the future, making it crucial to conserve rainwater by constructing more dams. The completion of Dadocha Dam will address the severe water shortage faced by Rawalpindi and other areas, particularly during summer when the shortfall reaches 60 MGD. The dam, constructed at a cost of 12 billion, will significantly contribute to Rawalpindi's water needs upon completion. The clearance of the dam's right-of-way is a positive step to maintain work momentum.

Dadocha Dam will provide Rawalpindi with 35 million gallons of clean drinking water daily, ensuring no injustice is done to anyone, as the local population is being compensated according to current land rates. The dam's construction will provide clean water to Rawalpindi and its surrounding areas.

Meanwhile, the CM has sought a report from the RPO Bahawalpur on alleged rape of a woman by police official in Bahawalnagar. Maryam Nawaz honoured her commitment to the public by ensuring the prompt provision of new stretchers and beds to Mayo Hospital's emergency department.

This initiative came as a response to the requests from patients and their attendants, prompting her to issue orders last night for the acquisition of new stretchers and wheelchairs. Additionally, in accordance with her directives, a dedicated prayer area has been designated for female doctors and staff within the emergency block.

The CM took notice of the fire incident at Lahore Pace Plaza. Expressing concern, she directed the fire brigade and rescue 1122 to immediately initiate relief efforts. She instructed the commissioner and deputy commissioner to promptly reach the scene of the incident.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed the completion of the Rawalpindi Ring Road project by December. She personally inspected the project site at Trahia. During a briefing by Nespak, PMU, and FWO officials on the project's progress, it was revealed that the Rawalpindi Ring Road project commenced in September 2023 and is scheduled for completion by February 2025. The 38.3 km long road's route has been cleared, and the relocation of utility services is in progress.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif also proposed naming the Rawalpindi Ring Road interchanges after the respective villages. Former Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, MPA Maryam Aurangzeb, Sania Ashiq, chief secretary, secretaries, commissioner, and other officials were present there.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz visited the Central Office of Green Pakistan Institute (GPI).

CM was given a comprehensive briefing about the performance of Green Pakistan Institute. She lauded the strives of LUMS and expressed satisfaction on undertaking untiring hard work. Important decisions were being made during the visit of CM Maryam Nawaz. An approval to a unique project was granted in order to make the agriculture sector effective in the Cholistan area under which a water pipeline will be laid so as to make Cholistan a green area.

It was decided during the meeting that the farmers will be provided with the latest agricultural equipment for the improvement of agriculture sector in Punjab. An important decision was made to introduce a high quality livestock breed by rearing the animals in Punjab. It was decided to launch plantation in the surroundings of Rawalpindi and Islamabad so as to cope up with the challenges of environmental pollution.

The plantation will function like lungs to mitigate environmental pollution in the twin cities. Steps will also be undertaken to restore the natural beauty of Malka-e-Kohsar Murree. It was also decided during the meeting to build a sewerage treatment plant for maintaining cleanliness of Rawalpindi city.

The Adiala Road will be turned dual for the facilitation of the citizens of Rawalpindi. A quality mega transport project will be launched for the citizens of Rawalpindi and Mall Road Rawalpindi will also be made signal-free.