ISLAMABAD – The federal government has decided to implement a comprehensive plan on an emergency basis to overcome water shortages in Islamabad, including the construction of joint dams for the twin cities in collaboration with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Punjab government.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to review measures aimed at addressing water scarcity in the federal capital.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and Prime Minister’s Adviser Syed Tauqeer Shah attended the meeting as special participants.
The meeting reviewed short-term and long-term measures to enhance water supply in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Detailed discussions were held on the construction of new small dams and water reservoirs, as well as proposals to rectify flaws in the existing water supply system of Islamabad.
Participants emphasized the need to identify weaknesses in the water distribution network and to establish a more efficient system to ensure effective supply.
WAPDA and the CDA presented various options, feasibility reports and proposed timelines to increase water availability.
The meeting was also briefed in detail on the Chahan, Dothara and Shahdara dam projects. It was decided that the 110 MGD storage capacity Dothara Dam would be completed within two years.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi directed the authorities to submit a comprehensive implementation plan for the approved roadmap within 10 days and instructed them to expedite all necessary processes to bring water projects on the ground.
He also ordered a strict crackdown against water theft and misuse of water connections, stating that ensuring water supply for the residents of Islamabad was a top priority.
The minister directed officials to take immediate and effective steps to guarantee water availability, adding that under the short-term plan, all available resources must be utilized to ensure uninterrupted water supply.
The meeting was attended by the interior secretary, additional interior secretary, CDA chairman, Rawalpindi commissioner, CDA members and other senior officials.
