Recent monsoon rains in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have led to a noticeable rise in water levels at Rawal and Khanpur dams, key sources of water supply for the twin cities.
However, officials from Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) have expressed concern over private housing schemes allegedly diverting water from natural catchment areas to their own territories, preventing the dams from reaching optimal storage capacity.
According to updated figures, Rawal Dam's current water level has reached 1,741 feet, against its maximum capacity of 1,752 feet, indicating a rise of 3 feet and 17 inches following the rain. Meanwhile, Khanpur Dam's water level increased marginally to 1,922 feet, against its full capacity of 1,982 feet, reflecting only a 9-inch rise.
WASA Managing Director Muhammad Saleem Ashraf emphasised that both dams are critical for meeting the water needs of the twin cities. While the recent rainfall has helped improve water reserves, he warned that unauthorised diversions by private developers are preventing the dams from collecting their full share of rainwater.
He urged the relevant authorities overseeing the dam's catchment areas to take immediate notice of the situation to ensure maximum water conservation.
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