Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Chairman Lieutenant General (retd) Muhammad Saeed ordered a departmental inquiry during his visit to the project on Tuesday. He also reviewed the situation and directed officials to investigate the incident thoroughly.
Consultants, contractors and WAPDA teams briefed the chairman during a meeting at the project office. They confirmed that neither the main Tarbela Dam nor its associated structures face any threat.
WAPDA Chairman Inspects Tarbela’s Fifth Extension Project
During his visit, Muhammad Saeed chaired a detailed meeting to examine the circumstances surrounding the tunnel accident. Participants discussed the possible causes, precautionary measures and strategies for managing the situation.
Furthermore, the chairman inspected several important sections of the fifth extension project. These included the intake structure, connecting tunnel, powerhouse and other critical locations.
He instructed the concerned teams to examine every aspect of the incident and prepare a comprehensive report. The chairman also emphasised the need for an early assessment and immediate response measures.
Water Ministry Demands Comprehensive Report on Tarbela Incident
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Water Resources has sought a detailed report from WAPDA regarding the incident.
A ministry spokesperson confirmed that the authority had received instructions to submit a comprehensive account of the Tarbela Dam situation.
According to sources, officials expect to complete the departmental inquiry within one week. The investigation will also include experts from outside WAPDA to ensure a broader technical assessment.
Moreover, the inquiry will determine responsibility for the incident. Authorities will subsequently submit the findings to the Prime Minister’s Office.
What Happened at Tarbela’s Fifth Extension Hydropower Project?
The accident occurred a day before the chairman’s visit at the Tarbela Fifth Extension Hydropower Project (T-5) construction site.
During excavation work, a weak section of rock collapsed inside the connecting tunnel. Consequently, water entered the tunnel and the under-construction powerhouse.
The incident occurred while workers were excavating the second bench of the connecting tunnel. According to WAPDA, water flowed from the intake pit into the tunnel and powerhouse following the rockfall.
However, emergency teams immediately evacuated all workers from the affected areas. WAPDA subsequently confirmed that every worker had reached safety.
Water Drainage and Dewatering Operations Begin
Following the incident, WAPDA initiated measures to control the water inflow and restore conditions at the construction site.
The authority confirmed that workers had completely drained the intake pit. Meanwhile, teams began dewatering operations inside the under-construction powerhouse.
Additionally, the spokesperson reported that no further water was entering the downstream work areas. These measures followed the initial evacuation and emergency response.
Although the incident disrupted construction activities, WAPDA maintained that the main Tarbela Dam’s structural integrity remained unaffected.
The departmental inquiry will now examine the causes of the rockfall, assess the circumstances surrounding the water inflow and establish responsibility.
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