NEC may approve Rs 19.05 billion for Bhasha dam, two nuclear power plants

[LahoreEstate]

ZAFAR BHUTTA
ISLAMABAD (May 24 2009): The National Economic Council (NEC) is likely to approve Rs 19.05 billion for the construction of Diamer Bhasha dam and two new nuclear power plants (Ch-3 Ch-4) at Chashma in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) of next budget (2009-10). The Council is scheduled to meet on June 1.

The Annual Plan Co-ordination Committee (APPC) has allocated Rs 16 billion for Neelum Jhelum Hydropower Project in AJK. The NEC may also approve allocation of Rs 22.9 billion for 800 MW Guddu steam power project. The Finance Ministry Priorities Committee has made these allocations and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Sardar Aseff Ahmed confirmed to Business Recorder that all the recommended allocations by priorities committee were endorsed by the APPC in its meeting held on Friday.

The NEC may also approve allocation of Rs 3.55 billion for Chashma Nuclear Power Project 3-4 and Rs 15.5 billion for the construction of Diamer Bhasha Dam project in the next budget. The Water and Power Ministry had sought the allocation of Rs 8 billion for the Bhasha dam project but the priorities committee recommended allocation of Rs 15.5 billion. Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission had sought allocation of Rs 23.9 billion for Ch-3 and Ch-4 but the priorities committee had recommended Rs 3.55 billion and the amount was approved by the APCC.

According to sources, the APCC also recommended the said amount to be allocated for these projects in the next budget. The APCC has also recommended Rs 8.6 billion for the ongoing Chashma nuclear power project -2 Mianwali. The APCC has also recommended Rs 366.58 million for other project namely MPS-3 Taunsa-2 Uranium Mining Project. Two projects relating to uranium exploration have been recommended that include Rs 176.3 million allocation for detailed exploration of uranium (phase-vii) DG Khan and Rs 231.7 million for detailed exploration of uranium resources in Bannu Basin and Kohat Plateau

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