Tarbela Dam tragedy: PM Office orders 'urgent probe'

LAHORE: The Ministry of Water Resources has taken notice of an incident at the Tarbela Extension Project, ARY News reported, citing sources on Tuesday.

As per details, the Prime Minister’s Office reportedly expressed serious concern and displeasure over the Tarbela Dam Tragedy, according to sources.

Sources said the government had declared such incidents at the Tarbela Extension Project unacceptable and directed a high-level inquiry to be completed within one week.

The federal government has also instructed that experts from outside the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) be included in the inquiry committee to ensure a comprehensive investigation.

According to sources, the committee will identify those responsible and submit its findings to the Prime Minister’s Office without delay in Tarbela Dam tragedy.

“How could negligence occur in a project of such national importance and value?” sources quoted officials as asking.

The incident at the extension project is expected to result in losses of both water and electricity, sources said.

Read more: 5th Extension Project (T-5): Rock mass collapse at Tarbela Dam

The federal government has also directed authorities to ensure foolproof safety and security arrangements at other water development projects currently under construction.

Sources further revealed that concerns had previously been raised over the Tarbela Extension Project.

It is to be noted that water entered a tunnel and the powerhouse of Tarbela Dam 5th Extension Hydropower Project (T-5) construction site after a weak section of rock fell during excavation on Monday.

In a statement, the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) confirmed that all workers were safely evacuated following the water inflow incident.