Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi jointly inaugurated the Afghan-India Friendship Dam (Salma Dam) with President of Afghanistan Dr. Ashraf Ghani at Chist-e-Sharif in Herat province in Western Afghanistan today. Afghan-India Friendship Dam is a Multipurpose project planned for generating 42 MW of power, irrigating 75000 hectares of land, water supply and other benefits to the people of Afghanistan. Salma Dam is a landmark infrastructure project undertaken by Government of India on river Hari Rud , in Herat province of Afghanistan. The project was executed and implemented by WAPCOS Ltd., a Government of India Undertaking under Mministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
The project is located 165 km east of Herat town and connected with earthen road. Due to security reasons Indian engineers and technicians involved with the project have been reaching the site once in a month by helicopter service provided by Government of Afghanistan. All equipment and material were transported from India to Bander-e-Abbas port of Iran via sea and then along 1200 km by road from there to Islam Kila border post at Iran-Aghanistan border and then further 300 km by road from the border post to the site. Cement, steel reinforcement, explosives etc. were imported to Afghanistan from neighboring countries. The gross capacity of the Dam is 633 Million M3. The height of the Dam is 104.3 Mt, length 540 Mt and width at the bottom is 450 Mt.
Rs.1775 crore project was funded by Government of India and took more than ten years to complete. The successful completion of the project represents culmination of years of hard work by 1,500 Indian and Afghan engineers and other professionals in very difficult conditions.
A historic occasion commences. PM @narendramodi and President @ashrafghani PM arrive in the Gazi Amanullah Khan hall pic.twitter.com/WwNcINDXIQ
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 4, 2016
President @ashrafghani to PM: Welcome to your second home Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/XEEbKw5axD
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 4, 2016
President @ashrafghani: Today with your help a long standing dream of Afghanistan has been realized after 30 years
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 4, 2016
President @ashrafghani: Today we come together to make eternal India Afghan ties and friendship pic.twitter.com/OmGjF8meWj
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 4, 2016
President @ashrafghani: This Dam will chart a new course of cooperation and Prosperity.
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 4, 2016
President @ashrafghani: Our people identify India with roads, dams & over 200 small dev projects. pic.twitter.com/JxJjeyAlnC
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 4, 2016
President @ashrafghani: Contrary to those who spread chaos and destruction, we two countries have taken the joint decision to build and grow
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 4, 2016
A dam is completed, a partnership is strengthened. PM & President jointly inaug the Afghanistan India Friendship Dam pic.twitter.com/BHU5vcUrvQ
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 4, 2016
PM begins speech after Friendship Dam inaugur'n: This is yet another giant step in Afghanistan’s march to progress pic.twitter.com/jmzQaHpUg0
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 4, 2016
PM: Honoured to be among people who have set the std of courage; Privileged to see again high tide of f'ship in vast ocean of love for India
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 4, 2016
PM:Not just launching a project,we r reviving a region,renewing life,restoring hope &redefining Afghanistan’s future pic.twitter.com/JGlGWtRBWw
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 4, 2016
PM @narendramodi:Today,we come together to honour and celebrate Afghan determination to build a future of prosperity pic.twitter.com/j3th6i2y61
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 4, 2016
PM @narendramodi : This dam has not been built by bricks & mortar,but by faith of our friendship and valour of Afghans & Indians
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 4, 2016
PM @narendramodi highlights the bonds that remind us of ancient links between Afghanistan and India. pic.twitter.com/onrJgx7r5q
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 4, 2016
PM quotes Khwaja Moiunuddin Chisti: Humans must have affection of sun, generosity of river & hospitality of earth pic.twitter.com/6EOuf2Oy4O
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 4, 2016
PM @narendramodi emphasises that Indian co'opn will extend to every part & benefit every section of Afghan society pic.twitter.com/9nLPom7jzb
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 4, 2016
PM:We want to see ur democracy strike deep roots;ur people unite; ur economy prosper;ur art &culture thrive;ur cricketers play tests & IPL
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 4, 2016
India will not forget or turn away!
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 4, 2016
PM @narendramodi emphasises the timelessness of India-Afghan relations pic.twitter.com/QhBSn4P8rW
PM @narendramodi On all fora, we will speak in one voice for Afghan right to a peaceful, prosperous, united, inclusive and democratic nation
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 4, 2016
PM concludes with Herat Sufi poet Jami's words: Whatever happens,will always experience freshness & happiness of gentle breeze of friendship
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 4, 2016
At the close of the speech, PM @narendramodi wishes the people of Afghanistan and all Muslims across the world for the Holy Month of Ramzan
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 4, 2016
The symbol of an enduring partnership. The sluice gates open at the India-Afghanistan Friendship Dam pic.twitter.com/NaR1j9BBbj
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 4, 2016
A true brotherhood is honoured. PM is awarded the Amir Amanullah Khan Award, Afghanistan's highest civilian honour pic.twitter.com/DdvASFSF62
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 4, 2016
