ISLAMABAD, (TDI): Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal chaired a high-level meeting to review the current status and next steps for rehabilitation of the Neelam Jhelum Hydro Power Project (NJHPP).
The meeting was attended by the Minister for Water Resources and senior officials from relevant agencies, including WAPDA and the Ministry of Water Resources.
In accordance with directives issued by the Prime Minister in May, an International Panel of Experts (IPOE) was appointed to investigate the structural issues affecting the project’s Head Race Tunnel (HRT).
This panel, which includes a prominent Pakistani geologist, was tasked with identifying the root causes of the recent challenges faced by the project.
During the meeting, officials provided an update on the dewatering activities that began in May and were successfully completed by July.
This crucial step allowed the IPOE to conduct an on-site inspection in September and submit an Inception Report detailing the current condition of the tunnel infrastructure.
The report identified areas of the tunnel floor needing attention and included recommendations for improved ventilation, lighting, and worker safety measures.
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The experts’ Terms of Reference (TORs) encompass a thorough evaluation of factors affecting the tunnel, along with recommendations for enhancements in design, construction, and contract management.
They also suggested a risk assessment for both the HRT and Tail Race Tunnel (TRT) and outlined steps for a recovery plan.
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In concluding the meeting, the Planning Minister stressed the necessity of a detailed action plan and encouraged continued collaboration with independent experts.
A follow-up session is scheduled for next week to further refine strategies for the project’s rehabilitation.
