Minister Wattoo inaugurates Phase II of the Mohmand Dam.

Moin Wattoo, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Water Resources, opened the second phase of the Mohmand Dam project on Monday, emphasizing the vital necessity of protecting Pakistan’s water rights.

At the inauguration, Wattoo delivered a grave admonition to any entities seeking to interfere with Pakistan’s water supply, labeling such efforts as “an act of war.” He asserted that Pakistan would not endure any infringement of its water rights, underscoring the crucial importance of water for the nation’s survival and advancement.

No individual have the authority to appropriate our water. Wattoo remarked that obstructing it equates to declaring war against us, underlining Pakistan’s commitment to its rights under the Indus Waters Treaty. He emphasized that the agreement between Pakistan and India is legally enforceable, and any breach will be deemed unacceptable under any circumstances.

Wattoo emphasized that the construction of the Mohmand Dam is progressing swiftly, with anticipated completion by 2027 or 2028. He assured the public that efforts are underway to complete the project ahead of time.

He praised the efforts of Chinese engineers, recognizing their continuous dedication to achieving timely completion.

Upon becoming fully operational, the Mohmand Dam will produce 800 megawatts of electricity and irrigate thousands of acres, markedly improving agricultural production and bolstering local businesses.

The initiative will enhance employment prospects in the region.

The dam, situated on the Swat River in the Mohmand District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, will be the fifth-largest Concrete Face Rock-Filled Dam (CFRD) globally, with a height of 213 meters.

The dam, with a storage capacity of 1.29 million acre-feet, will irrigate 18,233 acres of new land and facilitate irrigation for an additional 160,000 acres of existing agriculture.

The ceremony was attended by WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen (retd.) Sajjad Ghani, emphasizing the project’s significance.