Concerning the Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project, the PM has taken decisive action and instructed stern measures against those responsible for its failure. During a high-level meeting he convened, an initial inquiry report into recent breakdowns of the Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project was presented. The head of the inquiry committee, Shahid Khan, gave a detailed briefing saying that on April 29, there was a pressure drop in both headrace tunnels, i.e., right and left, which caused a massive decline in electricity generation; by May 2, the power plant stopped producing altogether. It was brought to the Prime Minister’s notice that many financial losses have occurred due to the suspension of work on this project from the national exchequer side. The rock burst zone has been identified as an area of concern in the project.
It has emerged that pressure drops in the headrace tunnel were followed by significant production declines during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government. Still, they were allegedly ignored out of carelessness. Delays in maintenance since 2021 are criminal loss magnifiers. The faults of 2021 are being investigated under a broader inquiry report.
Geological and seismic factors should have been addressed during the construction phase. Which led to faults in the tailrace tunnel, halting electricity production throughout 2022. Experts pointed out concrete lining inadequacies at the headrace tunnel and untimely third-party validation. In such a significant national project, a PM strongly condemns negligence. Who wonders why no comprehensive geological surveys were carried out beforehand? He demanded immediate completion of the probe report and strict actions against those guilty of its failures. He ordered another committee to ensure a quick restart process occurred at said hydroelectricity undertaking.
Federal Minister Ahad Khan Cheema
Federal Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Economic Affairs, attended the meeting. Ataullah Tarar, Information & Broadcasting; Owais Ahmed Khan Leghari Energy; Muzaffar Malik Petroleum; Jahangir Khanzada, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission; Lieutenant General (Retired) Sajjad Ghani, WAPDA Chairman. Rana Ehsan Aziz, Federal Secretary of Interior, and other relevant senior officials were also present.
The Prime Minister stressed the fast restoration of the Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project’s operations to minimize further financial losses and ensure the country’s energy security. He highlighted strict oversight and adherence to technical standards at every stage of such vital infrastructural schemes. And his directive to form a committee reflected the government’s desire to do so quickly. And transparently address challenges to restore public confidence in this project’s management and operational capabilities.
proactive stance by the PM
This proactive stance by the PM sends a strong signal. That inefficiencies and lapses within project management will not be tolerated. Accountability for crucial national assets like the Neelam Jehlum Hydro Power Project should never be compromised while transparently handling them. These measures taken by the government are aimed at immediate corrective actions but also prevent them. The recurrence of similar failures during future infrastructure undertakings.
