Government approves Rs275 billion for six water projects as dam costs surge 176%

The Economic Coordination Committee has cleared Rs275 billion in supplementary funding for six water infrastructure schemes, Profit by Pakistan Today reported. The projects include the Diamer-Bhasha, Dasu and Mohmand dams, the Chashma Right Bank Canal, the Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme and Kachhi Canal.

The three dams’ combined projected cost has climbed 176% to Rs3.5 trillion from Rs1.28 trillion. Dasu’s estimate rose by Rs1.254 trillion to Rs1.740 trillion, while Diamer-Bhasha’s increased by Rs642 billion to Rs1.12 trillion and Mohmand’s by Rs356 billion to Rs666 billion.

The Water Resources Ministry had requested nearly Rs450 billion for this fiscal year, leaving an approximately Rs175 billion gap against the approved amount. Disbursements will depend on revenue receipts, including provincial contributions that are contingent on the FBR meeting its Rs15.264 trillion annual collection target; the authority was Rs95 billion short in the first four months.