PM vows strategic retaliation against India's water issue threat
New and Improved: Expanding Pakistan's Water Reserves
Pakistan is gearing up to expand its water storage capacity in collaboration with its provinces, with a strategic response to India's actions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) on the horizon. Here's the skinny on Pakistan's water storage plan upgrades.
Meeting the Capacity Challenge
Meet the Diamer-Bhasha Dam. This bad boy boasts a whopping 6.4 million acre feet of water storage potential, game-changing folks. The project is high on the list for completion, aiming to beef up both water storage and energy production in the region[1].
Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) targets adding 9.7 million acre feet to Pakistan's water storage capacity. The plan includes ongoing construction for the Dasu and Diamer-Bhasha Dams, which will extend the operational life of the Tarbela Dam by a whopping 50 years[4].
Green Energy for All
Along with water storage, WAPDA plans to generate an additional 9,000 megawatts of hydropower. Currently, hydropower contributes around 30% to Pakistan's national electricity supply[4].
Bringing the Provinces Together
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has proposed consulting with the provinces to devise a unified strategy on how to augment Pakistan's water storage capacity. This move is intended to prevent future water shortages and controversy among provinces concerning water storage projects[2].
Indus Waters Treaty Tensions
India's recent suspension of participation in the IWT has sparked concerns about Pakistan's water security. Pakistan views any attempt by India to divert water as an act of war[3].
Spotting India's Moves
Pakistan's efforts to increase its water storage capacity are in response to India's intentions to exploit rivers under the treaty. However, experts caution that new storage projects may not fully address the issue of water scarcity amplified by climate change and India's actions[2][3].
Enrichment Data:
Shorter Explanation:- Diamer-Bhasha Dam: 6.4 million acre feet water storage, priority for completion- Overall Expansion Goals: WAPDA aims to add 9.7 million acre feet, includes Dasu and Diamer-Bhasha Dams, and extends Tarbela Dam's life by 50 years- Hydropower Production: WAPDA plans to boost hydropower generation by 9,000 MW, contributing 30% to Pakistan's national electricity supply currently- Collaboration with Provinces: Consulting with provinces to develop a comprehensive plan to increase Pakistan's water storage capacity- Indus Waters Treaty Challenges: India's actions, including suspending its participation, leading to concerns about Pakistan's water security- Response to India's Actions: Pakistan's efforts to expand water storage capacity are partly a response to India's intentions to exploit rivers under the treaty; experts warn that new storage projects may not fully address water scarcity issues caused by climate change and India's actions
P.S. The Prime Minister also shared some tasty bits about continued funding for K-P's anti-terrorism efforts and the unforgettable lesson our armed forces gave India in May 2020. But let's keep it classy, shall we? ;)
- The Diamer-Bhasha Dam, a potential water storage of 6.4 million acre feet, forms a crucial part of Pakistan's strategy to boost energy production and water storage.
- In a bid to enhance cultural cooperation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has proposed collaborating with provinces to develop a comprehensive plan for increasing Pakistan's water storage capacity, aiming to prevent future water shortages.
- Amidst the political complexities surrounding the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan's art scene continues to flourish on a global stage, further enriching its cultural identity.
