Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of an incident at the Tarbela Dam Fifth Extension Hydropower Project, where a weakened section of rock collapsed during tunnel excavation work. The prime minister has reportedly directed the relevant authorities to submit a detailed report explaining the causes, circumstances and possible damage resulting from the incident.
According to media reports, the incident occurred during excavation work on the second bench of a connecting tunnel at the Tarbela Fifth Extension Hydropower Project.
A weakened section of rock suddenly collapsed, allowing water from the intake pit to enter the tunnel and the under-construction powerhouse.
Following the incident, officials from the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) began assessing the situation to determine the extent of the damage and the measures required to ensure safety.
Prime Minister Seeks Complete Details of the Incident
Sources said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the relevant departments to prepare a comprehensive report covering all aspects of the incident.
The report is expected to explain what caused the rock section to collapse, the circumstances surrounding the incident and the steps taken by authorities afterward.
Officials have also been asked to provide information regarding any damage to the hydropower project and whether negligence or other factors contributed to the incident.
The findings will help authorities determine whether further investigations or administrative action are necessary.
WAPDA Officials to Inspect the Affected Site
According to the Ministry of Water Resources, senior WAPDA officials are scheduled to visit the affected section of the Tarbela hydropower project.
The inspection team will examine the location where the rock collapsed and assess the condition of the connecting tunnel and related infrastructure.
Ministry officials said a decision regarding a formal inquiry would be made after the site inspection and preliminary assessment.
The future course of action will also depend on the findings of WAPDA’s technical review.
Meanwhile, a WAPDA spokesperson confirmed that water had entered the tunnel and powerhouse following the collapse of the weakened rock section.
However, the spokesperson said that water had been completely removed from the intake pit.
Indus River Water Flow Expected to Increase
Separately, authorities have issued precautionary instructions as additional water is expected to be released from Tarbela Dam into the Indus River.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), water discharge from the dam could remain above 150,000 cusecs.
Tarbela Dam officials indicated that the increased discharge may continue for approximately 24 hours, potentially raising water levels downstream.
The PDMA has directed the administrations of relevant districts to implement precautionary measures and remain prepared for changing river conditions.
Officials are monitoring the situation to ensure that communities living near the Indus River receive timely safety information.
Public Advised to Stay Away From the River
Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary visits to the banks of the Indus River while water discharge remains high.
People have also been advised not to swim, bathe or engage in boating activities in the river during this period.
Parents have been specifically requested to prevent children from approaching rivers, streams and other areas where water may be flowing rapidly.
These precautionary measures are intended to reduce the risk of accidents as the river’s flow increases.
What Caused the Tunnel Incident?
Although WAPDA has confirmed that a weakened rock section collapsed during excavation, the exact circumstances behind the incident have not yet been fully established.
The planned inspection will help determine whether geological conditions, construction-related factors or other technical issues contributed to the collapse.
Authorities are also expected to assess whether the incident has affected the project’s construction schedule or requires additional safety measures.
For now, the government’s focus remains on identifying the cause of the incident, assessing potential damage and ensuring the safety of nearby communities.
The detailed report requested by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to provide a clearer understanding of what happened at the Tarbela Fifth Extension Hydropower Project and whether any further action is required.