Residents of the twin-cities, Islamabad and Rawalpindi have been facing water shortages in both summer and winter but administration has now planned to resolve the issue permanently once and for all.
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has taken significant steps to address Islamabad’s chronic water shortage by advancing plans for two new dams including Shahdara and Dotara.
The feasibility study for the Shahdara Dam has been completed by the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), with the project site deemed highly suitable for construction. Consultants from NESPAK have now begun work on the detailed design of the dam.
In a high-level meeting chaired by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa reviewed the progress of both projects in detail.
It was decided that joint teams from WAPDA and NESPAK will soon visit the Shahdara Dam site to review geotechnical investigations and hydrological studies.
Regarding the Dotara Dam, WAPDA is currently working on the feasibility study, which Chairman CDA directed to be completed at the earliest.
He emphasised that both projects must adhere to strict timelines and that their construction processes should be finalised quickly through effective coordination among all relevant departments.
Chairman CDA underlined that ensuring an uninterrupted water supply for the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi remains a top priority.
It is worth mentioning here that currently Islamabad’s water supply relies on several key operational dams including Rawal, Simly and Angoori. While Rawal and Simly serve as the primary sources, Angoori Dam also contributes to the city’s water needs. To meet growing demand, authorities are planning additional projects such as Dotara and Shahdara dams.
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