Soan water project gets green light

Sources say Rs150 million expected to be released within 15 days

RAWALPINDI:

A mega project has been proposed to improve the quality of water in the Soan River to make it suitable for drinking. The initiative aims to provide a 24-hour water supply to more than 250,000 residents of Rawat and Chauntra, which are the oldest and most densely populated areas in the Rawalpindi district.

According to sources, the project's feasibility study has been approved, and Rs150 million is expected to be released within the next two weeks. Experts will complete a detailed study of the proposed project within two months and submit a final feasibility report to the government for approval and implementation.

The project will be implemented under the supervision of the district administration and district council.

Historically, the Soan River served as a clean and reliable water source for the local community for over 500 years. However, it has now become heavily contaminated due to continuous sewage discharge. As a result, groundwater levels near the riverbanks have significantly declined. Although groundwater is still accessible at depths of 400 to 500 feet, it too has been affected by seepage from wastewater.

Sources said the approved feasibility study will examine two main options: the first involves installing multiple tube wells along the riverbanks, paired with advanced water treatment plants to purify the extracted groundwater. The second option proposes directly treating river water at two to three centralised treatment facilities, which would then supply clean water to Rawat and Chauntra through a newly developed distribution system.

To support this infrastructure, plans include the establishment of water treatment plants along the Soan River.

Moreover, a substantial water tank with a capacity of five million gallons will be constructed, alongside the installation of large-diameter steel pipelines designed to transport treated water from the treatment plant to Rawat and Chauntra.