ISLAMABAD: On request of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Wapda has commenced a pre-feasibility study for the construction of a new dam for Islamabad – namely Dotara Dam.

“A few days ago we paid them [Wapda] Rs25 million for a pre-feasibility study, which they have initiated accordingly,” said Director General Water Management CDA Sardar Khan Zimri.

He said this study would be completed in four months, in light of which the CDA would move forward for the construction of the dam.

“Dams are imperative to meet the shortfall of potable water in the federal capital,” he said, adding that the CDA will get two other studies conducted by Wapda for the proposed Chiniot and Shahdhara dams.

The director general said during the study, Wapda would explore two main options – construction of carryover dam in catchment area of Khanpur Dam to feed water to the dam for onward supply to Islamabad or go for construction of a separate dam. “Let’s see what Wapda proposes,” he said.

Earlier, last year, as per preliminary working, it was discussed that ‘Dotara Dam’ – 122 metres high and 350 metres long – can be constructed in partial catchment areas of Khanpur Dam to store 0.1 million MAF (million-acre feet) of water.

It was proposed that this dam would supply 72 million gallons per day (MGD) and would also generate 10MW of hydropower as well.

Last year, it was also discussed that 43pc catchment area of Khanpur Dam fell in the alignment of this project while it would have 57pc of its own catchment area.

Mr Zimiri said the CDA was also planning to engage consultants to explore options of replacing the canal which provided water from Khanpur Dam to Islamabad, with pipelines.

“Rawalpindi-Islamabad have 50MGD quota from Khanpur Dam and we receive water through the canal. However, instead of 50MGD, we receive around half the quantity of water as people use our quota from the open canal,” he said, adding that the CDA wishes to replace this canal with pipelines – subject to recommendations of consultants.

A few years ago, the CDA had decided to construct two small dams – Chiniot and Shahdara, in the catchment area of the Simly Dam – with a proposed 26 million gallons per day (MGD) of water supply to Islamabad. However, no serious steps have been taken towards their construction.

Mr Zimri said that the pre-feasibility studies of these two dams is also on the cards and Wapda would soon be engaged in this regard.

Islamabad is a water-scarce city, and no serious effort was made during the last two decades to explore alternative water sources. Currently, the CDA is supplying approximately 70MGD from three sources – Simly Dam, Khanpur Dam and tube wells against the need for an estimated 220MGD.

According to sources, there is a need for small dams in the catchment areas of Simly, Khanpur and Rawal dams as well to store rainwater. The authorities have to open spillways of these dams to discharge water in every monsoon season. On the other hand, the civic body has also been discussing a mega Ghazi Barotha project, which is designed to provide 100MGD each to Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The project, subject to the provision of over Rs150 billion in funding will be completed in five years- whenever started. However, this mega project has not moved past the feasibility studies.

Published in Dawn, September 6th, 2024