Chinese firm abandon Neelum-Jhelum hydroelectric project in Pakistan, decision taken after continuous protests

Chinese engineers and workers have abandoned the 969-MW Neelum-Jhelum hydroelectric project following protests over a dam being built on the Neelum-Jhelum river in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). However, the project was closed since July this year due to the persistent shortage of fuel and electricity in Pakistan. 

The Chinese companies said the work had been halted after protests from locals and the employees not being protected by the Pakistan Police. At the same time, due to the sudden closure of this project of China, there is a possibility of creating a deep gulf between the relations between Pakistan and China regarding joint hydroelectric projects. 

The plant is located near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Chinese engineers were working to open an important tunnel. 

Islam Khabar reported, the Rs 508 billion hydroelectric project abruptly stopped within three years of its operation, sparking serious differences between Pakistani and Chinese authorities over joint projects, especially the Dasu and Mohmand power projects, as well as the Neelum-Jhelum plant. be exposed.

A 3.5 km long tunnel diverted water from the plant to the river, due to which a malfunction developed and the plant shut down completely. At a time when the country was facing severe power crisis. A large crack in the Tailors Tunnel forced the authorities to close the project.

The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), which operates the hydroelectric stations, also later confirmed that the project's tailrace tunnel has been blocked and, as a result, the power station has been shut down for safety reasons.

Islam Khabar reported, Pakistani officials blamed the Chinese for the project's slippery and inefficient operation. The Chinese, on the other hand, have their own complaints of delayed payments, which they attribute to the delay.

wAPDA had reported slow progress despite time extensions, poor construction quality and poor supervision and management in meetings with Chinese company executives. 

On the question of tunnel failure, WAPDA accused China of inefficiency in the tunneling phase which delayed the entry of river water into the damaged tunnel.

The failure of the plant also brought to the fore the issue of safety of Chinese nationals working on Pakistani projects.

Fearing threats from local residents, the Chinese stopped working at the plant. Security has been a serious issue with Chinese firms working on a number of projects in Pakistan, especially on projects related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

Pakistani officials responded to the allegations by accusing China of not following security protocols at the site.

Following the grinding of the power plant in July, the project's contractor, China Gezhouba Group Company (CGGC), agreed to repair and restore the tunnel without official agreement.

On 10 July, the Chinese firm gathered equipment and manpower to clear the water tunnel to identify the cause of the blockage.

The company said the entire restoration process would take at least six months, during which the plant would remain closed. It sought PKR 120 million from Neelam Jhelum Hydropower Corporation as interest free financial assistance for the job.