Tarbela Dam Incident: PM Office Orders Urgent Probe Into T-5 Rock Collapse

The Tarbela Dam incident at the Fifth Extension (T-5) Hydropower Project has drawn a sharp response from Islamabad: the Prime Minister’s Office has reportedly ordered a high-level inquiry to be completed within one week, according to official sources.

On Monday, a weak section of rock gave way during excavation at the T-5 construction site, and water entered a tunnel and the powerhouse area. The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) confirmed in a statement that all workers were evacuated safely.

Tarbela Dam Incident: What Happened at T-5

What the PM Office Has Ordered

Sources say the Prime Minister’s Office expressed serious concern and displeasure, and called such incidents at a project of national importance unacceptable. The Ministry of Water Resources has also taken notice.

• A high-level inquiry must be finished within one week.
• Experts from outside WAPDA are to sit on the committee so the investigation is independent.
• The committee has to identify those responsible and send its findings to the PM Office without delay.
• Authorities must ensure foolproof safety arrangements at other water projects now under construction.

Officials were quoted as asking how negligence could occur in a project of this value. Sources added that concerns about the extension project had been raised before.

WAPDA Chairman Visits the Site

WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen (retd) Muhammad Saeed was due to visit the T-5 site on Tuesday to review progress and the investigation into the collapse. Senior WAPDA officials were to brief him on the incident and the work under way.

How the Tarbela Dam Incident Affects You

Tarbela is the country’s largest dam and a key source of both irrigation water and cheap hydel electricity. Sources expect the incident to cause losses of water and electricity, though no official figure has been given yet.

The T-5 extension is meant to add new generation capacity to the national grid. Any delay pushes back that cheaper power and can add to project costs, which are ultimately carried by consumers and taxpayers. The project has already faced delays and cost revisions before this setback.

What Happens Next

• The inquiry committee is to report to the PM Office within a week.
• WAPDA is expected to share its own assessment of the damage and the time needed for repairs.
• Safety reviews at other dam and hydropower sites are likely to follow.

Official updates on the project are issued on the WAPDA website.

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