Tarbela on the Indus River was conceived in the 1960s and commissioned in the early 1970s and its primary function was to store water for irrigation purposes. This remains its main purpose today. Tarbela project is one of the engineering wonders of the world. Completed in 1976 with commencement of power generation the following year, the original dam is the second largest embankment constructed anywhere and the project has formed the foundation upon which Pakistan’s irrigation and hence livelihood is based.

During the high flow months of July to October, flows in Indus River is much higher than what can be passed through the existing generating facilities and the remainder is discharged over the spillways. Whilst this fulfils the irrigation demand, it provides no power benefits.  Accordingly, WAPDA decided to construct new power house and installation of generation units on tunnel-5 to utilize irrigation/flood releases for clean energy generation.

Environmental &Social Studies:

The project area is owned and guarded by WAPDA and there are no residential areas within 1km of the proposed works therefore no resettlement will occur as a result of any of the options considered. The powerhouse and associated works area is all in the vicinity of the existing Tarbela site and the land has been heavily modified.

Two separate ESIAs have been prepared; one for the powerhouse and the other for power evacuation lines being undertaken by NTDCL.