RAWALPINDI:
A deepening water crisis threatens Rawalpindi and Islamabad as all three key reservoirs supplying the twin cities report dangerously low levels, driven by prolonged drought conditions and rainfall 44% below average over the past year.
The intensifying heatwave has further accelerated evaporation, depleting water reserves in Rawal, Khanpur, and Simly Dams. Officials warn that without substantial pre-monsoon rainfall by June 30, the shortfall could spiral into a critical supply emergency.
Rawal Dam, which was built in 1960 and has a full storage capacity of 1,752 acre-feet, currently contains just 1,737 acre-feet — enough for an estimated two months of supply. Khanpur Dam, with a capacity of 1,982 acre-feet, holds only 1,921 acre-feet, covering roughly a month’s demand. Simly Dam, which supplies Islamabad exclusively, has dropped to 2,249 acre-feet out of its 2,315 acre-foot capacity, also enough for around two months.
Rawalpindi currently draws 23 million gallons per day from Rawal Dam and another six million gallons via the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) from Khanpur. Compounding the situation, the underground water table in both cities has plummeted — now reaching depths between 750 to 800 feet in Rawalpindi — leaving many wells and tube wells, especially those installed in the 1990s, dry and defunct.
WASA spokesperson and Director of Administration Umar Farooq attributed the shrinking dam levels to the ongoing drought. He acknowledged the shortage but stressed there is no immediate cause for alarm. “The pre-monsoon rains are expected within the next two days, followed by the main monsoon season. We anticipate significant rainfall to restore dam levels,” he stated.
While dismissing fears of an imminent large-scale crisis, Farooq confirmed that WASA has begun supplying water via tankers in areas hit hardest by low supply or malfunctioning tube wells. He urged the public to conserve water, avoid excessive use, and refrain from washing cars or watering gardens with hoses during this critical period.Tools
