Wapda assesses damage to Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower project

LAHORE: In the wake of a brutal attack by India on the dam structure of the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project, Wapda Chairperson Engr Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (r) visited the site at Nauseri near the Line of Control (LoC) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The visit aimed to observe and assess the damage to structures, installations and the staff residential camp, as well as to boost the morale of Wapda officers and staff stationed at the site.

Acting Member (Power) Wapda and CEO of Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Company Muhammad Arfan Miana, the chief engineer/project director of the project, and the chief engineer (operation and maintenance) were also present.

During an extensive inspection of the dam, de-sanders and intake, the chairperson was briefed that the Indian shelling, which began at 1:15am on May 7, continued for approximately six hours until 7:15am. As a result, Hydraulic Power Unit 1 of the intake gates sustained damage, along with the reinforced concrete structures at De-sanders 1 and 3. The residential camp was also targeted, affecting the ambulance and medical facility.

The chairperson was further informed about the efforts made by Wapda officials to secure critical equipment installed at the dam and within the control room.Speaking on the occasion, the chairperson strongly condemned the Indian attack on the hydropower project, saying that international laws, including the Protocol Additional to the Geneva Convention of August 12, 1949, prohibit attacks on water infrastructure even during full-scale war between states.

He also commended the courage and dedication of Wapda officers and staff in carrying out their duties under difficult circumstances.It is noteworthy that the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project, completed in 2018 on the River Neelum in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, comprises three main components: a dam at Nauseri, an underground waterway system consisting of 52km of tunnels, and an underground powerhouse at Chattar Kalas. Since its completion, the project has contributed 19.562 billion units of clean, renewable electricity to the national grid.