Plans Unveiled for Two New Dams to Address Water Scarcity in Rawalpindi and Islamabad
The governments of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have greenlit the construction of two dams, Dotara and Shahdara, to tackle persistent water shortages in the twin cities. The ambitious projects aim for completion by December 2027, potentially transforming water availability in the region.
Government Meeting Initiates Project Launch
On Friday, a high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi brought together key officials including Adviser to the Prime Minister Dr. Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah, Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa, and representatives from the civic agency and Punjab government. The agenda centered on endorsing the dams as urgent water solutions.
Dotara Dam: Key Features and Impact
- Location: Situated upstream of Khanpur Dam.
- Water Supply Capacity: Estimated 72 million gallons per day (mgd).
- Project Cost: Approximately Rs40 billion, excluding land acquisition expenses.
- Dimensions: About 122 meters in height and 350 meters in length.
- Catchment Area: Utilizes 40% of Khanpur Dam’s catchment and encompasses 57% of its own area.
According to initial assessments shared by WAPDA during the meeting, the Dotara Dam is expected to be a milestone in the city’s water infrastructure, uniquely able to supply water by gravity, simplifying distribution.
Shahdara Dam: Complementary Small-Scale Solution
- Location: On the Shahdara stream in the Margalla Hills.
- Projected Capacity: Supplies around 10 mgd.
- Estimated Cost: Approximately Rs4 billion.
The Shahdara Dam is viewed as a vital supplemental measure, expected to press ahead alongside the Dotara project.
Funding and Timelines
The meeting resolved to prompt both federal and Punjab governments to allocate funding immediately. WAPDA has been tasked with finalizing a comprehensive feasibility report for Dotara within two months to enable timely construction commencement. Both dam projects are targeted for completion by the end of 2027, underlining the urgency of the water crisis.
Additional Measures for Water Management
- CDA has been instructed to address pipeline leakages and replace aging infrastructure to reduce water wastage.
- Discussion also touched upon the large-scale Ghazi Brotha/Indus River project, which plans to deliver 100 mgd to each city; however, priority remains on the faster-to-complete dams.
Context: The Water Scarcity Challenge
Islamabad currently faces acute water shortages, with existing sources providing only about 70 mgd—far below the estimated daily need of 220 mgd. Key supplies come from Simly Dam, Khanpur Dam, and groundwater tube wells. Rural communities largely depend on smaller water schemes and boreholes.
Looking Ahead
CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa emphasized the agency’s commitment to addressing water shortfalls alongside ongoing development efforts. Following the recent launch of the Shaheen Chowk underpass, official directives have accelerated the momentum for water infrastructure projects, reflecting an urgent push from Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi to complete these dams within the next two years.
