Tarbela Dam project work faces disruption after rock collapse
The Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) said the incident did not damage the main dam or threaten its key structures. Repair work is underway, while an inquiry has been ordered to determine what caused the collapse.
Rock collapse triggers emergency at Tarbela project
The incident took place on Monday at the construction site of the Tarbela 5th Extension Project (T-5). A large mass of rock collapsed, allowing a sudden flow of water to enter nearby working areas.
An emergency was declared immediately after the incident, and construction activities were suspended. Workers were also moved to safer locations, while officials confirmed that no one was killed.
Wapda Chairman retired Lt Muhammad Saeed visited the project site on Monday and Tuesday to review the situation. He inspected the water intake structure, tunnel, power house and other important parts of the project.
Wapda says main dam remains safe
During his visit, the chairman received briefings from the project consultants, contractor and Wapda management. Officials discussed the possible reasons for the collapse and the steps needed to deal with the situation.
“The chairman visited … the intake structure, tunnel, power house and other important sites of the project. The consultants, contractor and Wapda project management briefed him on the current situation and the measures taken so far,” it said.
The chairman also led a meeting where officials discussed immediate action and plans to prevent similar incidents in the future. Short-term, medium-term and long-term safety measures were considered, and work on the immediate response plan began.
“Short, medium and long term preventive measures to handle such situations and strategies to address the current issue were deliberated upon. Immediate response measures were also finalised and their execution initiated,” it said.
Wapda said the consultants, contractor and its own technical teams agreed that the main dam and its important structures were not under threat. The authority stressed that the situation had been assessed and was under control.
“However, the consultants, contractor and Wapda teams were unanimous in their assessment that, as of now, there is no threat to the integrity of main Tarbela dam or any of its critical structures,” the statement said.
Inquiry ordered as repair work continues
The Wapda chairman directed the consultants to prepare a detailed report explaining all aspects of the incident. He also ordered a departmental inquiry to find out what caused the rock collapse.
The consultants, contractor and project team were told to carry out repair and safety measures without delay. They were also directed to prepare a contingency plan to reduce any delay in completing the extension project.
“The Ministry for Water Resources had also sought initial assessment report of the incident from Wapda which has been submitted today,” it said.
Wapda Chairman also briefed Water Resources Minister Mian Muhammad Mueen Watto about the situation. Meanwhile, engineers and technical teams continued repairing damaged parts of the project on Tuesday.
Officials urge public to avoid rumours
Swabi Deputy Commissioner Nasarullah Khan said there was no reason for the public to panic. He said officials from Swabi and Haripur were working together under a coordinated plan to manage the situation.
“The public should know that the situation is completely under control and no one should worry about the incident,” Swabi Deputy Commissioner Nasarullah Khan said.
The deputy commissioner also explained that the increase in water flow in the Indus River downstream had been approved by Wapda’s technical team. He said the decision was taken after considering safety and technical requirements.
An official present at the project site also urged people not to believe unverified reports. The public was advised to follow information shared through official sources.
The rock collapse has disrupted work at an important hydropower project, but Wapda says the main dam remains safe. The detailed inquiry will be important in finding the cause and preventing similar incidents.
Quick repairs and proper safety checks are needed to avoid further delays. The public should rely on verified updates rather than rumours about the dam’s condition.
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