The government has decided to build two new dams in Rawalpindi and Islamabad to meet the growing water needs of the twin cities.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired a special meeting on Saturday where the decision was made.
The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Prime Minister’s Adviser Syed Tauqeer Shah, and other senior officials.
Officials reviewed both short-term and long-term measures to improve water supply, including updates on the Chahan, Dotara, and Shahdara dam projects.
Dotara Dam
It was stated that the Dotara Dam will be completed within two years. The dam has a storage capacity of 110 million gallons per day (MGD),
The meeting also focused on constructing additional small dams and water reservoirs to help solve the water problem.
Additionally, discussions to improve the issues in the existing water supply system of the areas was also held.
Authorities have stressed that there is a need to identify gaps in the distribution network and make the system more efficient.
Water crisis in Islamabad, Rawalpindi
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and WAPDA presented feasibility reports, proposals, and timelines for the projects.
Interior Minister Naqvi directed officials to submit a detailed implementation plan within 10 days.
He urged them to speed up all necessary processes to start the projects quickly.
Naqvi also emphasised that water supply for the residents is a top priority.
He called for strict action against water theft and misuse of connections.
He also instructed officials to use all available resources to ensure an uninterrupted water supply in the short term.
The meeting included the interior secretary, additional interior secretary, CDA chairman, Rawalpindi commissioner, CDA members, and other senior officials.
