18 January 2006
WWF – Pakistan concern over construction of Bhasha Dam

LAHORE– This is in reference to the Presidential address on the television the other day regarding the construction of the Bhasha Dam. While recognising the need for having water reservoirs for the irrigation and power, WWF – Pakistan sees it as a part of the overall water shed services. It further feels the need for having a Water Management System that takes care of existing water resources and their efficient utilisation, protecting the health of upstream involved to sustain the flow and quality of water. A more constructive and pragmatic approach is to create an effective balance between developing new resources and efficiently managing the existing/available resources. It is alarming when the President announces the construction of Bhasha Dam in early February despite the fact that it is mandatory and crucial to conduct a comprehensive scientific socio-environmental impact study of such a mega water infrastructure project. It is also critically important that as a signatory the Government of Pakistan should comply the World Commission of Dams Guidelines prior to initiating any water reservoir project. The World Bank’s latest Water Country Assistance Strategy was quoted in the presidential address. Although WWF – Pakistan does not agree to all the actions recommended in this document, however, we strongly feel that the environmental flows should get the long due recognition as recommended by the World Bank in this document.

For further information:
Amjad Aslam
WWF – Pakistan,
Ferozepur Road, Lahore.
Tel: +92 42 5862360, 5869429
Fax: 042 5862358
e-mail: aaslam@wwf.org.pk