Two dams approved for garrison city

RAWALPINDI:

The intensifying water shortage in the garrison city coupled with plummeting groundwater has forced authorities concerned to formally approve two new dams to cope with the challenge. According to sources privy to the development, both dams will be completed by the Punjab Small Dams Organisation.

They said the tenders for both projects have also been issued. Experts say the groundwater level in Rawalpindi has plummeted while the water supply from Rawal and Khanpur dams has been slashed amidst high consumption of the vital commodity. In addition to this, the rapidly growing population, rising temperatures in the summers, and incessant droughts have made the construction of these dams crucial. Sources also said the construction of these dams will cost a total of well over Rs2.6 billion to the national exchequer.

The dam will be completed within a period of one and a half years, they added. Sources furthered that Mohata Dam will be constructed in union council Raika at the junction of Chakawal and Rawalpindi districts on 4 acres of land whereas the Dhar Jawa Dam will be constructed in the tourist resort of Murree. Mohota Dam will provide drinking water to all the neighboring areas of the district including Chakwal and would irrigate 300 acres of land in both districts.