Following an attack by India on the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project’s dam structure, Wapda Chairperson Engr Lt Gen Sajjad Ghani (r) visited the site at Nauseri, located near the Line of Control (LoC) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, to assess the damage and offer support to the affected staff.
The visit aimed to review the structural and operational damage caused by the shelling, as well as to boost the morale of Wapda officers stationed at the site.
Alongside the chairperson, key officials including Acting Member (Power) Wapda and CEO of Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Company Muhammad Arfan Miana, the chief engineer/project director, and the chief engineer of operations and maintenance were present.
During the inspection, they were briefed on the significant damage caused by the Indian shelling, which began around 1:15 am and continued for six hours until 7:15 am. The attack damaged Hydraulic Power Unit 1 of the intake gates, reinforced concrete structures at De-sanders 1 and 3, and also targeted the residential camp, which impacted the ambulance and medical facilities.
The chairperson was informed of Wapda’s swift actions to protect critical equipment and secure the control room. He condemned the attack, emphasizing that international laws, including the Geneva Convention Protocol, prohibit strikes on water infrastructure even during wartime.
Additionally, he praised the dedication and courage of the Wapda staff, who continued their duties despite the difficult conditions.
The Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project, completed in 2018, consists of a dam, an underground waterway system, and a powerhouse. Since its completion, the project has contributed 19.562 billion units of clean energy to Pakistan’s national grid, underlining its importance in the country’s energy infrastructure.
