Rains help avert water scarcity in twin cities

Authorities plan to open spillways of main water reservoirs

RAWALPINDI:

Enough water storage in the Rawal, Simly, and Khanpur dams following heavy rains has averted the risk of water scarcity in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad for the next 7 months.

According to sources, authorities concerned are planning to open the spillways in anticipation of more rains.

As a precautionary measure, the Islamabad deputy commissioner has imposed Section 144 and prohibited bathing and swimming in the Nullah Korang and Soan River.

The authorities are also concerned about the filling of Rawal Dam with dirt, trash, and building materials, which has reduced its storage capacity from 43 thousand cubic feet to 28 thousand cubic feet. Similar issues have affected Simly Dam and Khanpur Dam as well.

The spillways of Rawal Dam will be opened after two or three more rainfalls during the current monsoon season. When the spillways open, all the water will be drained into Nullah Korang. This attracts local residents who come to witness the event and catch fish that fall into the lake from the dam's spillway.

However, the deputy commissioner has banned such activities due to the risk of drowning, which claims the lives of several young people each year.

Khanpur Dam, with a storage capacity of 1982, is also retaining a significant amount of water due to recent rains. The dam administration is preparing to open its spillway in anticipation of further high rainfall predicted by the meteorological service during the monsoon.

Only Islamabad relies on Simly Dam for water supply, and the dam's capacity is currently being exceeded.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 18^th, 2023.