UPPER DIR (Syed Zahid Jan): In a major move to promote tourism, economic growth, and clean energy, the Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP), in collaboration with the European Union Peace Project 2, has launched the Kumrat Valley hydropower project. Consequently, the initiative upgrades a 2.5-megawatt hydropower station from 600 kW at Thall, Kohistan, to meet the energy needs of scenic Kumrat Valley in Upper Dir.
The project costs an estimated Rs 783 million and will finish within two years. Moreover, SRSP CEO Shehzada Masood Ulmulk, Deputy CEO Syed Aftab Ahmad Khan, MNA Sahibzada Sibgatullah, and Deputy Commissioner Navid Akbar led the ground-breaking ceremony at Thall.
At a gathering of residents from Thall to Dojnga, SRSP CEO Masood Ul Mulk explained that the power station would benefit 4,044 households, 150 hotels, and numerous small businesses. Additionally, he emphasized that this project will enhance economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
The project includes a 5,000-foot water channel to the power house. Furthermore, engineers will lay 20 km of HT lines and 34 km of LT lines and install 20 step-up transformers. As a result, the initiative will reduce CO2 emissions by 7,200 tons annually.
The CEO said the project will drive economic and social development in the area. He emphasized that local grids provide an efficient solution for remote regions, where connecting to and maintaining the national grid proves costly.
He added that the power house will operate under a social enterprise model. Therefore, electricity rates will remain fair while maintaining financial sustainability. Consequently, a financially stable power house could also contribute to local social projects. The project is expected to complete in two years.
DPM Dir Region Murad Ali Khan and engineers briefed the chief guest and thanked the participants. They also noted that the project will address the energy shortage and reduce forest cutting in winter.
On the occasion, MNA Sahibzada Sibghatullah thanked the European Union for supporting this project and others in the region. Moreover, he praised SRSP teams for improving life quality and delivering disaster relief in remote areas. He added that the Rural Support Programmes help the government reach marginalized communities.
Deputy Commissioner Navid Akbar, who attended despite a back injury, highlighted the government’s work to improve service delivery. He also said that better roads and reliable energy will boost tourism in Kumrat Valley.
Gul Sher Khan, representing local community organizations, shared the challenges in irrigation, crop production, education, and health, particularly for women. Subsequently, the community passed resolutions expressing gratitude to the EU, federal and provincial governments, and SRSP for resolving energy problems.
Finally, the MNA concluded that residents of Kumrat Valley set an example for the nation. All clans, factions, and political groups attended, setting aside differences to show they are part of the development solution.
