Trade body for more dams to meet power needs, save industry

LAHORE, (APP): Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI), an apex body of business chambers in the country, Saturday urged the need for immediate construction of water reservoirs and dams to meet increasing power shortage.

Speaking at a round table discussion on “The impact of power shortage on national economy” FPCCI president Tanvir Ahmad Sheikh said the country is currently facing the worst power and gas crisis in memory, and that uninterrupted supply of power is a pre‑ requisite for country’s economic growth and development.

He said without reliable power supply there can be no production and no industry, and issues like fulfilling our international trade commitments will no longer matter.

He said industry and agriculture are vital national sectors requiring smooth electric and gas supply for development.

“In view of the power situation confronting the country today, construction of water reservoirs and dams is absolutely necessary to

meet water‑power shortage,” he said, adding that consensus on this should be obtained at the earliest if our economy is to survive.
He said that international experts and studies conducted here by international bodies such World Bank, after detailed research have identified certain sites feasible for a big dam from technical point of view.

Speaking on the occasion, Iftikhar Ali Malik co‑chairman Businessmen Panel in FPCCI said new dams are inevitable to meet the ever increasing demand for inexpensive energy sources, and will also help bring down the cost of everything including essential commodities.

“Big water reservoirs and dams are vital for country’s industrial progress and prosperity, as well as for a green revolution,” he said,

adding that we can get rid of power loadshedding and outages only if new dams are built on war footing.

New dams will also help reduce the frequency and severity of flood havoc in downstream of river Indus, especially in Sindh province, he added.