Two New Dams Approved for Islamabad and Rawalpindi
Authorities have approved plans to construct new water supply projects to address water shortages in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, with a target completion date of December 2027.
Officials approved the construction of the Dotara Dam and the Shahdara Dam during a meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi. The meeting included the adviser to the prime minister, the chairman of the Capital Development Authority, and officials from Wapda and the Punjab government.
Wapda presented initial findings for the Dotara Dam, which authorities will construct upstream of Khanpur Dam. Officials said the dam will supply 72 million gallons of water per day. They estimated the project cost at around Rs. 40 billion, excluding land acquisition.
The meeting directed Wapda to complete a detailed feasibility report within two months. Officials instructed relevant departments to begin construction immediately after finalizing the feasibility to meet the December 2027 target.
Authorities also approved construction of the Shahdara Dam on the Shahdara stream in the Margalla Hills. Officials said the dam will supply 10 million gallons of water per day at an estimated cost of Rs. 4 billion.
The meeting directed the federal and Punjab governments to arrange funding for both projects. Officials also instructed the Capital Development Authority to take steps to stop water leakages and replace rusted pipelines.