ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The authorities have decided to construct two new dams to meet the water requirements of the twin cities.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday presided over a special meeting during which it was decided that two new dams will be constructed in Rawalpindi and Islamabad in a bid to ease water shortages in the twin cities.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and Prime Minister’s Adviser Syed Tauqeer Shah attended the meeting as special participants.
The panel reviewed short-term and long-term measures to enhance water supply in the cities. The meeting was briefed in detail on the Chahan, Dothara, and Shahdara dam projects.
The meeting decided that the 110 MGD-storage-capacity Dothara Dam would be completed within two years of time.
The participants engaged in detailed discussions on the construction of new small dams and water reservoirs, as well as proposals to rectify flaws in the existing water supply system of the federal capital.
They underlined the need to identify loopholes in the water distribution network and to establish a more efficient system to ensure effective supply.
Capital Development Authority and WAPDA presented various options, feasibility reports, and proposed timelines to increase water availability.
The Interior Minister directed the authorities to submit a comprehensive implementation plan for the approved roadmap within 10 days and instructed them to expedite all necessary processes to bring water projects on the ground.
Water availability to Islamabad top priority
Naqvi also ordered a strict crackdown against water theft and misuse of water connections, saying that ensuring water supply for the residents of the capital city was a top priority.
He also directed officials to utilise all available resources to ensure an uninterrupted water supply the short-term plan. The meeting was attended by the interior secretary, additional interior secretary, CDA chairman, Rawalpindi commissioner, CDA members, and other senior officials.
