Pakistan's Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) said on Tuesday that a rock collapse at the Tarbela Dam 5th Extension Project (T-5) poses no threat to the integrity of the main dam or any of its critical structures.
On Monday, a section of weak rock gave way inside a tunnel while excavation of the connecting tunnel was under way. According to sources, water held in the intake pit then surged into the tunnel and nearby work areas of the under-construction powerhouse. An emergency was declared, construction was halted and workers were moved to safety. No loss of life was reported.
Wapda Chairman retired Lt Gen Muhammad Saeed visited the site on Monday and Tuesday, inspecting the intake structure, tunnel and powerhouse. Wapda said its consultants, the contractor and project teams were unanimous that, as of now, there is no threat to the main Tarbela Dam or its critical structures. The authority also rejected reports that the project's main tunnel had collapsed.
Inquiry and repairs
The chairman directed the consultants to submit a detailed report on the incident as soon as possible, ordered immediate remedial work and asked for a contingency plan to minimise delays to the project. He also ordered a departmental inquiry. An initial assessment has been submitted to the Ministry of Water Resources, and Federal Minister Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo has been briefed.
Swabi Deputy Commissioner Nasarullah Khan said the situation was completely under control and there was no cause for public concern. He added that the increase in Indus River flows downstream had been authorised by Wapda's technical team as a safety measure. Officials urged residents to ignore unconfirmed reports and rely on official information.