The terms of reference for this study were prepared by the World Bank after serious concerns were raised by Sindh about the likely impacts on the downstream water flow. Similarly, little information or data has been made available on the likely impacts of the Kalabagh Dam on the central districts of the NWFP and parts of Punjab in terms of possible flooding during high flood seasons, water logging and displace-ment. No accurate estimates are available of the total number of people to be displaced by the Kalabagh Dam -mainly because this would depend on the height of the dam and the size of the reservoir. However, according to some estimates it could be about 85,000 to 100,000 people. Neither are estimates available of people to be affected by the irrigation works to be constructed as part of the project.
Most politicians consider big projects as prestigious and thus politically expedient.
Kalabagh is no exception. Such projects are projected as national engineering feats, symbolizing technological advancement. But there is another side to such mega projects. Dams also supply water for industrial and household needs, and control flooding and assist in river navigation by providing regular flows. Those supporting a major dam on the river Indus argue that it would generate much needed, inexpensive hydro-electricity and also help meet the country's growing irrigation requirements.