Averring on recommendation of two committees formed by the government for construction of water reservoirs in the country, he said their report would be submitted to the President Pervez Musharraf this August.
The Wapda chief an engineer himself, mingling no words on the magnitude of water reservoirs needed for the country unequivocally said that large storage dams were the requirement of the country.
Dilating that 1,000 MW was the energy need of the country, Hamid said that a quantum jump was only possible through hydropower. About experiment of IPP's, he said we have burnt our fingers and this story should not be repeated.
Elaborating on three options of construction of water reservoirs in the country, he said construction of Kalabagh dam, having live capacity of 6.1 MAF and hydro power generating capacity of 3600 MW could commence in 2005 and its completion expected in 2011,he added.
Stating that with feasibility report ready on Basha, the water dam having live capacity of 7.34 MAF and hydropower generating capacity of 4500 MW, its construction could commence in 2007 and finish in 2014,he pointed.
Referring to third option of construction of Akhhori dam, he apprised that this dam that had live capacity of 6.00 MAF and hydropower capacity of 800 MW, its construction could begin in 2009 and conclude in 2015.
Giving list of priority hydropower projects in the country he stated that it included Allai Khawar dam, Khan Khawar, Duber Khawar, Kyal Khawar, Golen Gol and Jinnah dam.
Remarking on objections on Kalabagh dam he said that there is an answer ready for every objection raised on its construction. He said if this dam is made, there would be an economic advantage of three and a half-year gained through it.' All designs and tenders documents concerning this dam are complete', he added.
Talking about water storage activity in the country he said that it had been at standstill since 1976. Stating that country's storage capacity standing at only 11 percent of total surface water, he pointed that country's hydro-power was only 16 percent of its total potential.
Engr. Irshad Ahmed, former head of Nespak, Engr. Sarfraz Ahmed, Engr. B.A.Malik, Engr. Mazhar Ali, Engr. Munawar Ali Shah and a large number of engineers were present during the lecture.
Dua was also offered for the eternal peace of Engineer Sibtain-ul-Hassan on the occasion.