| Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has initiated plans for the construction of two new dams—Shahdara Dam and Chinyot Dam, as reported on September 25.
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As per details, Islamabad is facing a severe water crisis, prompting the CDA to implement urgent actions. These crucial projects aim to be completed within the next four years, with the capacity to supply an additional 18 to 21 million gallons of water daily, significantly easing the current water shortage.
The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), home to 2.3 million residents, requires a staggering 126 million gallons of drinking water each day. Currently, the CDA can only provide between 70 and 80 million gallons per day, creating a significant gap that jeopardizes the city’s water security.
Despite the presence of three major dams—Smalley, Rawal, and Khanpur—and 201 tube wells, the CDA has struggled to meet the increasing water demands of the city. CDA Water Supply Director Sardar Khan Zamri stressed the significance of the new dam projects, noting that Shahdara Dam is expected to contribute six to seven million gallons per day, while Chinyot Dam will add another 12 to 14 million gallons.
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Zamri further explained that the timeline for these projects will be refined after conducting pre-feasibility studies in collaboration with WAPDA and other experts. Meanwhile, the CDA is also advancing the Dutara Dam project, which is expected to be completed in four months, providing immediate relief by boosting the water supply for residents of Islamabad.
As the city navigates this escalating water crisis, the CDA’s proactive initiatives are crucial for ensuring a sustainable water future, ultimately securing reliable access to this essential resource for all residents. |
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