Twin cities set for major water boost

ISLAMABAD:

On the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a principled decision has been taken to construct two dams — Shahdara Dam and Dotara Dam — to provide a permanent solution to the persistent water shortage in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

In this regard, a special meeting was held on Wednesday at the CDA Headquarters, chaired by Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, to deliberate on long-term measures to address water-related issues in the twin cities.

The meeting was attended by CDA Board Member Planning and Design Dr Khalid Hafeez, Member Finance Tahir Naeem, representatives of Wapda, Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Rawalpindi Cantonment Board, Punjab Small Dams, and senior officials of Islamabad Water (CDA).

Addressing the meeting, Chairman CDA Randhawa said that the construction of both dams was of critical importance to permanently resolve the water scarcity in the twin cities. He emphasised that the projects would be completed on a priority basis.

The meeting was informed that Wapda has completed the feasibility study of the Shahdara Dam project, which confirmed that the proposed site is highly suitable for dam construction. Consultants from NESPAK are set to commence work on the detailed design of the Shahdara Dam. It was also decided that teams from Wapda and NESPAK would jointly visit the site in the near future to review geotechnical investigations and hydrological studies.