Proposal to grant royalty and forest development fund to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; 4,320 MW Dasu Hydropower Project termed vital for energy needs
Staff Reporter
Peshawar:
An important meeting regarding the Dasu–Islamabad 765 kV Transmission Line Project was held at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forest Department. Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan, Secretary Forests Junaid Khan, and other relevant officials attended the meeting.
In line with the directives of the provincial cabinet, the Special Assistant was given a detailed briefing on various aspects of the project. Officials informed the meeting that, following the request of the federal government and instructions of the provincial cabinet, comprehensive homework is being carried out on all necessary matters and technical aspects of the project to effectively move forward with this project of national importance.
The briefing highlighted that the Dasu Hydropower Project is a significant green energy initiative through which electricity will be efficiently transmitted to the national grid. The project is being implemented by the National Grid Company under the federal Ministry of Energy with financial assistance from the World Bank.
The meeting was informed that the mega hydel project has a total power generation capacity of 4,320 megawatts, which will play an important role in meeting the country’s growing energy demands. To ensure efficient power transmission, modern power hub grid stations will also be established in Mansehra and Islamabad.
Participants were also briefed on the environmental benefits of the project. It was noted that the project would significantly reduce carbon emissions, decrease reliance on fossil fuels, and promote environmentally friendly green infrastructure—an important step towards environmental protection and sustainable development.
The meeting was further informed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will receive two percent royalty from the total cost of the project, while a proposal is under consideration to allocate 0.2 percent to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forest Department as a Forest Development Fund. This fund will be used for the restoration, protection, and development of forests in the province.
Addressing the meeting, Special Assistant for Information Shafi Jan directed that all necessary homework regarding the project be completed and the matter be presented before the provincial cabinet for final approval. He emphasized that environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources must be prioritized in all development projects.
He said the provincial government is seriously committed to promoting clean, affordable, and environmentally friendly energy. According to him, a clean and green Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains the government’s top priority, and development initiatives are being advanced under this vision that will not only strengthen the energy sector but also support environmental protection and forest growth.
Shafi Jan added that the current government is taking all possible steps to promote sustainable development and a green economy to ensure a safe, green, and prosperous environment for future generations.
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