ISLAMABAD: The World Bank has expressed satisfaction with the social and environmental progress of the Dasu Hydropower Project (DHPP) during its latest mission to Upper Kohistan, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable development with a strong Chinese partnership.
A delegation from the World Bank’s Social and Environmental Mission visited the project from September 29 to October 2, 2025, Gwadar Pro reported on Sunday.
According to DHPP, the team “acknowledged the progress made so far and encouraged continued efforts to ensure that social and environmental commitments remain aligned with engineering and construction milestones.”
During the visit, the Social Resettlement & Environment Unit of DHPP, along with consultants and Chinese contractors, briefed the delegation on resettlement progress, environmental safeguards, and social development initiatives.
The World Bank team also toured construction sites to review on-the-ground implementation of safeguard practices.
The mission emphasized the “timely execution of resettlement plans, meaningful engagement with local communities, and robust environmental monitoring”.
This marks the second such visit this year, following a review mission in April 2025 that also praised progress on community engagement and compliance with international standards.
In August 2025, the Deputy Commissioner Upper Kohistan distributed compensation cheques to displaced families under the Enhanced Self-Managed Relocation (ESMR) program.
The initiative, supported by WAPDA, reflects a strong commitment to fair and transparent compensation in close coordination with community elders and stakeholders.
Alongside resettlement, WAPDA has earmarked Rs. 40 million under the Local Area Development Program (LADP) to uplift socio-economic conditions in Upper Kohistan.
The program covers infrastructure, education, healthcare, and livelihood support, ensuring that local communities benefit directly from the project.
Since 2017, China Gezhouba Group Company (CGGC) has served as the main works contractor for DHPP, one of Pakistan’s largest green and low-cost energy projects. CGGC is executing the dam, underground powerhouse, and highway relocation, while CGICOP manages project infrastructure.
The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) is working on the Right Bank Access Road, the Power Construction Corporation of China (PCCC) is building the 132 kV Dubair–Dasu transmission line, and Zhongmei Engineering Group is overseeing the resettlement site.
DHPP is a flagship example of China-Pakistan cooperation in the energy sector, combining world-class engineering with strong social and environmental responsibility. Once completed, it will provide clean, affordable electricity to millions, while transforming the socio-economic landscape of the region.
