Pozzolan extraction begins for Diamer-Bhasha Dam main dam

Pozzolan material for the main dam of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam project has begun to be extracted and transported from Gini in Diamer district, Express News reported. Gini is in the Diamer area of Gilgit-Baltistan where the dam is under construction.

The material will be processed and then used in roller-compacted concrete (RCC) works for the main dam, the report said. RCC placement for the main dam is expected to begin soon, though the report did not give a specific date.

Arrangements for the extraction and transfer were completed on the instructions of the WAPDA chairman and the Gilgit-Baltistan chief secretary, according to Express News. The report said project management and the district administration reviewed the formal start of extraction and the transfer process.

The supply of pozzolan from Gini was described as an important step toward the next phase of main dam construction. Project management and the district administration expressed a commitment to increase coordination and cooperation to speed up the construction work.

Local elders and religious scholars also reiterated their commitment to full cooperation for completing the dam, the report added.

The news outlet did not specify the volume of pozzolan to be moved or the duration of the transfer. It said the process will feed the RCC works after the material is processed.

The development follows the completion of arrangements ordered by senior officials for the extraction and movement of pozzolan. According to the report, the project is now moving toward the placement of RCC for the main dam, with the Gini supply line now active.

Express News said project management and local administration have been asked to maintain close coordination to keep construction on schedule. Local elders and religious figures have also assured their cooperation.

The report said the start of pozzolan supply from Gini is a step that will support the main dam's concrete works. The Diamer-Bhasha Dam is among the major dam projects under construction in Gilgit-Baltistan.