Lahore, November 24, 2015 (PPI-OT): The 29th meeting of the Board of Directors (BoD) of Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Company held today at WAPDA Administrative Staff College Islamabad. During the meeting, the overall progress of the project was reviewed and the timelines of all the important components were discussed. The progress of Twin Head Race Tunnels (HRTs) at Jhelum River Crossing was also reviewed.
The house was apprised that the twin tunnels with hydraulic area of 37 square meters each, have been successfully excavated under the River Jhelum at the depth of 200P meter. All the technical and geological difficulties including massive water ingress of October 2014 have been successfully managed and the excavation of the tunnels are now near completion and ready to be connected with the main twin tunnel system.
The expected dates of completion/connectivity are 15th January 2016 and 15th February 2016 for the said left and right HRT respectively. The house also reviewed the overall 59 km tunnelling system of this mega project, comprising of single and twin tunnels being excavated in various segments through different techniques and then successfully being linked together with utmost precision.
The Board appreciated the performance with particular reference to linking of the earlier two tunnel segments (C2 and C3) which were connected with amazing precision. The Board desired same level of professional competence at Jhelum River crossing and resolved to appreciate the level of hard work and competence at the project by acknowledging the occasion through a graceful ceremony.
The Board also resolved that the concerned Cabinet Ministers from Federal Government and AJ and K be requested to grace the occasion on connectivity; whereas Prime Minister of AJ and K and Federal Minister of State for Water and Power shall be requested to mark the occasion. National correspondents from Islamabad and Azad Jammu and Kashmir will also be invited on both the auspicious occasions.
Appropriate arrangements such as commemorative flagging, for both the occasions shall also be made. It was categorically observed by all Board Members that the timelines for completion of the project can only be achieved if financial closure is met with very promptly.
For more information, contact:
Muhammad Abid Rana
Director Public Relations
Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA)
G-32, WAPDA House, Lahore
Tel: +92-42-99202633
Fax: +92-42-99203144
Cell: +92-333-4458293
Email: mabidrana@gmail.com
Website: www.wapda.gov.pk