Govt nod for re-construction of dam in Afghanistan

A proposal to reconstruct a dam in Afghanistan with revised cost estimates of Rs 1,775.69 crore was cleared by Government. The dam is expected to lead to the overall economic development of the western region of Afghanistan and generate goodwill for India in Afghanistan. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the reconstruction and completion of Salma Dam Project in Afghanistan at the Revised Cost Estimates (RCE) of Rs 1,775.69 crore, an official statement said.

The project is scheduled to be completed by June 2016. M/s WAPCOS, a central Public Sector Unit under the Ministry of Water Resources, is executing the project. Upon its successful completion, this project will address the energy requirements and irrigation needs of western Afghanistan, the statement said.

The foreign exchange rate variation between Indian rupee and US dollar, increase in consultancy charges due to extended period of project completion, escalation, training of Afghan personnel necessitated revision in the project cost. Located on the upper reaches of Hari Rud River in Herat province, Salma Dam project involves construction of a 107.5 metre high earth and rock – fill dam and a 42 MW power House with three units of 14 MW each. It also has a provision for releasing water for irrigation of 75,000 hectares of land.

The availability of power and water through the project, upon its successful completion, is expected to contribute to the overall economic development of the western region of Afghanistan and generate goodwill for India in Afghanistan.