Wapda rules out threat to Tarbela Dam after rockslide

The Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) has assured that Tarbela Dam and its critical structures remain safe following a rock collapse at the under-construction 5th Extension Project (T-5), which triggered a sudden inflow of water into nearby work areas.

The incident occurred on Monday when a large mass of rock collapsed at the construction site. Authorities immediately declared an emergency, suspended construction activities and moved workers to safer locations. No casualties were reported.

Wapda Chairman retired Lt Gen Muhammad Saeed visited the project site on Monday and Tuesday to assess the situation and review the response measures. During his visits, he inspected the intake structure, tunnel, powerhouse and other key installations.

Project consultants, the contractor and Wapda’s management team briefed the chairman on the incident, its possible causes and the steps taken to address the situation.

A meeting was also held at the site to discuss preventive measures and strategies for managing similar incidents in the future. Officials reviewed immediate response arrangements as well as short-, medium- and long-term measures to prevent further damage.

Following the assessment, Wapda said its consultants, contractor and project management team had unanimously concluded that the main Tarbela Dam and its critical structures faced no threat.

The chairman directed the consultants to prepare and submit a comprehensive report explaining all aspects of the incident. He also instructed the relevant teams to immediately implement remedial measures and finalise a contingency plan to minimise delays in completing the extension project.

Furthermore, he ordered a departmental inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding the rock collapse and identify its causes.

Wapda said the Ministry of Water Resources had requested an initial assessment of the incident, which was submitted on Tuesday. Federal Minister for Water Resources Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo was also briefed by the Wapda chairman.

Meanwhile, engineers and technical teams remained engaged in repairing damaged sections of the project and restoring affected facilities.

Swabi Deputy Commissioner Nasarullah Khan said the situation was under control and there was no cause for public concern. He added that he was coordinating with the Haripur deputy commissioner and other relevant officials to manage the situation.

He also clarified that the increased flow of water in the Indus River downstream had been authorised by Wapda’s technical team as part of safety and technical arrangements.

An official present at the project site also urged the public to avoid circulating unverified information and rely on official sources for updates.