Ecological impact assessment of dam construction: A case study of Diamer Basha Dam Gilgit‐Baltistan, Pakistan

Dam construction poses significant ecological impact, both during the initial phase and long after dam is completed. The Diamer Basha Dam, situated on River Indus in Gilgit-Baltistan district of Pakistan, receiving attention due to consequences proposed ongoing construction. a 272-m-tall reservoir with 9867.912 Mm3 (million cubic meter) capacity will be world's highest roller compact concrete dam. assessment local impacts was compiled checklist matrices format discuss status species diversity study area. Using random sample methodology, line transects, quadrats were employed evaluate phytosociological properties vegetation. floral parameters recorded percent cover, richness, vegetation composition, frequency, density. analysis included principal component compare distributions sustained lost response water flow variables. This research showed that several plant withstand periods high peak flow, like Salix tetrasperma, Rumex dentatis, Trifolium resupinatum, Polygonum. Additionally, visual observations, plot surveys, published reports used compile faunal data determine habitat distribution. According analysis, immediate effects activities such as blasting, quarrying, traffic noise cause severe disturbances existing biodiversity habitats vulnerability, have long-term integrity environmental health downstream upstream habitats. presents present biological conditions, baseline reference datum for comparative changes caused by dam's