Economic prosperity may yield many positive effects, but it can also create serious problems. At present, the economic prosperity has turned countries like China and India into “Power Hungry” countries. In South Asia, after India, now it’s time for Pakistan to get into this group. Rapid industrialization due to the economic growth has created huge demand for power around the country. Recently, Pakistan government asked for a $10 billion fund to World Bank to build up hydro electric projects. However, analysts are not so sure, whether World Bank would disburse such a large amount.
Pakistan has five major rivers: the Indus, the Jhelum, the Chenab, the Ravi, and the Sutlej. Indus is one of the largest rivers in the world. Pakistan can produce huge amount of electricity by building hydro-electric plants on these rivers. Browsing the net, I have come to know about two major hydro-electric plants- the hydroelectric plant at the Mangla dam on the Jhelum river, and the Tarbela Dam on the Indus.
Honestly, I do not know whether this is a good news or bad news. On the good side, increase in electricity production will ensure better standard of living and manufacturing capability. However, the policy makers should keep in mind that building dams could create environmental problems such as destruction of fish habitats. As a result, fishermen who used to earn their livelihood by selling fish would loose their jobs.
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