PESHAWAR – Construction work on the fifth extension project of Tarbela Dam has been suspended after rising water levels entered the project site, creating safety risks for both equipment and workers.
The Chinese company responsible for the expansion decided to halt work temporarily and granted leave to its employees, vacating the workers’ camp as a precautionary measure.
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According to officials, the water level in Tarbela Lake surged significantly following heavy rainfall in Gilgit-Baltistan and other northern regions, forcing dam authorities to open the spillways. On Thursday, the water level was recorded at 1,547.96 feet, close to the dam’s maximum storage capacity of 1,550 feet.
The inflow of water was 405,000 cusecs, while the outflow stood at 370,300 cusecs. The opening of the spillways resulted in what officials described as a medium-level flood in the Indus River.
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In response to the situation, Swabi Deputy Commissioner Nasrullah Khan instructed Additional Assistant Commissioner Lahore to visit the Hund site of the Indus River. The officer ensured the enforcement of Section 144, which prohibits entering the water during high-risk conditions.
Several individuals found bathing in the river were immediately evacuated, and residents were warned against ignoring the safety directive. Authorities stressed that non-compliance with Section 144 would result in legal action.
Local residents expressed concerns over the rising water levels, noting the potential risks to surrounding communities and the possible delay in the dam’s expansion project. Experts suggest that any interruption in construction could affect the power generation capacity that the project aims to enhance.
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However, dam officials reassured the public that safety remains the top priority and work will resume once the water levels stabilize. The suspension highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing large-scale development with the unpredictable effects of weather and climate change in the region.
