The Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) said on Tuesday that there is no threat to the integrity of Tarbela Dam or its critical structures. This statement came a day after a rock collapse at the 5th Extension Project (T-5) site in Swabi caused water to enter nearby work areas.
Rock Collapse at T-5 Construction Site
A rock mass collapsed at the T-5 construction site on Monday. Following the incident, an emergency was declared, construction work was suspended, and workers were directed to move to safer areas. No loss of life was reported.
Wapda Chairman Reviews Situation
Wapda Chairman retired Lt Muhammad Saeed visited the site on Monday and Tuesday to review the situation. He inspected 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.
Meeting on Preventive Measures
The chairman presided over a meeting at the project site. The possible causes of the incident were discussed in detail. Short, medium, and long-term preventive measures and strategies to address the current issue were deliberated. Immediate response measures were finalised and their execution was initiated.
Assessment on Dam Safety
The consultants, contractor, and Wapda teams agreed that, as of now, there is no threat to the integrity of the main Tarbela Dam or any of its critical structures.
Directions by Wapda Chairman
The Wapda chairman directed the consultants to submit a detailed report covering all aspects of the incident at the earliest. He also directed the consultants, contractor, and Wapda project team to execute remedial measures immediately and finalise the contingency plan to minimise delay in the overall completion of the project. A departmental inquiry was ordered to probe the incident.
Response from Ministry and Officials
The Ministry for Water Resources had sought an initial assessment report from Wapda, which has been submitted. The Minister for Water Resources, Mian Muhammad Mueen Watto, was also briefed by the Wapda chairman.
Wapda engineers and technical teams were busy restoring and repairing the damaged parts of the project on Tuesday, according to officials.
Statement by Swabi Deputy Commissioner
Swabi Deputy Commissioner Nasarullah Khan said the situation is completely under control and no one should worry about the incident. He said he, the deputy commissioner of Haripur, and concerned officials were dealing with the situation under a coordinated strategy.
DC Nasarullah said the increase in the flows of the Indus River downstream had been authorised by Wapda's technical team under safety and technical measures.
Advice to the Public
An official present at the project site urged the public not to pay heed to unconfirmed reports and to refer only to information from official sources.
Source: dawn