Committee formed to determine net hydel profit for Diamer-Bhasha Dam

GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan on Thursday formed a special committee to address the ongoing deliberations over water usage charges and royalties (net hydel profit) for the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project.

The committee, comprising G-B Minister for Power Mushtaq Ahmed, Minister for Law Sohail Abbas, Minister for Agriculture Engineer Anwar, the law and power secretaries, is tasked with visiting Azad Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa within 10 days to present recommendations on the determination of royalties and water usage charges.

These recommendations will guide the Gilgit-Baltistan government in negotiations with the federal government concerning the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project, aiming to finalize the terms of royalties and water usage charges.

While chairing a high-level meeting focused on determining net hydel profit between Gilgit-Baltistan and the federal government, the chief minister emphasized the critical importance of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project for the nation’s development and prosperity. The project, he noted, holds significant value, especially for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and particularly Diamer, who have made substantial sacrifices for its construction.

The Diamer-Bhasha Dam, currently under rapid development, is set to encompass 37,000 acres of land in Diamer. Gulbar Khan expressed the GB government’s desire for the project’s expedited completion to promptly address any issues or concerns. A committee formed at the federal level in 2017 was tasked with determining the boundaries between Kohistan and Gilgit-Baltistan and setting the royalties (net hydel profit). However, its focus remained primarily on demarcation.

“The Gilgit-Baltistan government is keen on a swift resolution regarding the determination of royalties and water usage charges with the federal government to prevent any potential hindrances to this vital project,” he said.

He said that the Diamer-Bhasha Dam, once completed, was expected to significantly contribute to Pakistan’s energy and water storage capabilities, marking a milestone in the country’s efforts towards sustainable development and economic growth.

The meeting was attended by notable figures, including Provincial Minister for Law Sohail Abbas, Provincial Minister for Agriculture Engineer Anwar, Chairman of the Gilgit-Baltistan Investment Board Fateh Ullah Khan, Provincial Minister for Interior Shams Lone, and Special Assistant Maulana Sarwar Shah. Participation was also extended through a video link to Provincial Minister for Excise and Taxation Haji Rahmat Khalid, Provincial Minister for Forests Haji Shah Baig, the power secretary, the law secretary and the deputy commissioner of Diamer, highlighting the collaborative effort towards the project’s success.