Diamer-Bhasha Dam Project – Complete Research Report (2025 Update)

The Diamer-Bhasha Dam Project is one of Pakistan’s most significant infrastructure undertakings, designed to enhance water storage, power generation, and flood control. Located on the Indus River, the dam addresses the country’s growing energy and agricultural water demands.

Project Overview

Category	Details
Project Name	Diamer-Bhasha Dam
Location	Gilgit-Baltistan & Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
River	Indus River
Dam Type	Roller-Compacted Concrete (RCC)
Height	272 meters (World’s tallest RCC dam)
Reservoir Capacity	8.1 Million Acre-Feet (MAF)
Live Water Storage	6.4 MAF
Hydropower Generation	4,500 Megawatts (MW)
Annual Energy Output	18.1 Billion Kilowatt Hours (kWh)
Number of Turbines	12 (Each 375 MW)
Construction Start	July 2020 (Official Groundbreaking)
Expected Completion	2028–2029
Estimated Cost	USD 14 Billion+

Location Details

The dam is being constructed near the town of Bhasha in the Diamer District of Gilgit-Baltistan and partly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, approximately 40 km downstream of Chilas. It lies on the crucial transit route of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Key Objectives

Hydropower Generation: To produce 4,500 MW of clean, renewable energy.
Water Storage: To secure 6.4 MAF of water for irrigation and agriculture.
Flood Management: To reduce downstream flood risks.
Silt Management: To extend the lifespan of the Tarbela Dam by reducing sedimentation.
Job Creation: To provide over 16,000 jobs during peak construction.

Economic and Strategic Significance

Benefit Area	Details
Energy Security	Reduces power shortages with sustainable energy
Agricultural Boost	Secures irrigation water for millions of acres
Infrastructure Growth	Enhances roads, connectivity, and northern development
National GDP Impact	Expected to uplift economy and reduce energy imports
Climate Resilience	Supports clean energy and climate goals

Funding and Construction Partners

Executing Authority: Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA)
Design & Feasibility: NESPAK and international consultants
Construction Contractor: Power China – Frontier Works Organization (FWO) JV
Financing: Government of Pakistan, WAPDA, local banks (limited foreign funding)
International Hesitation: World Bank & ADB abstained due to Gilgit-Baltistan’s disputed status

Resettlement and Environmental Impact

Aspect	Details
Affected Population	Over 30,000 people
Resettlement Plans	Construction of model villages, schools, and healthcare
Cultural Heritage	Risk to Buddhist rock carvings; relocation initiatives
Environmental Concerns	Loss of biodiversity, need for environmental safeguards

Challenges and Controversies

Geopolitical Sensitivities: Located in a disputed region (Kashmir), limiting international support.
Funding Difficulties: Lack of World Bank/ADB funding due to political concerns.
Resettlement Delays: Community opposition and slow compensation processes.
Environmental Risks: Ecological damage and loss of archaeological sites.

Current Status (As of 2025)

Development Area	Progress
Land Acquisition	Over 90% completed
Civil Works	Tunnels, spillways under construction
Workforce Deployment	More than 10,000 workers engaged
Resettlement Sites	Model village development ongoing
Completion Forecast	On track for 2028–2029

Conclusion

The Diamer-Bhasha Dam is a transformative national project that promises to address Pakistan’s chronic water and energy crises. Once operational, it will deliver renewable energy, secure water for agriculture, and mitigate flood risks — making it a cornerstone of Pakistan’s sustainable future. Despite geopolitical and environmental hurdles, steady progress continues, reaffirming its status as a project of unparalleled national importance.Stay updated with: Bloom Pakistan