The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced that work on Shahdara Dam will begin soon to help improve Islamabad’s water supply. The project could mark the capital’s first major water development initiative in nearly 30 years.
CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf told Dawn that the authority plans to complete the dam within 20 months, five months earlier than the timeline set out in its initial planning document.
“We are going to resolve Islamabad’s water issue. Shahdara Dam is the first major step towards our goal,” Ashraf said.
The CDA issued a construction tender on Wednesday for the dam, which will be built near the Shahdara picnic area. The project is expected to provide Islamabad with an additional source of surface water.
According to a CDA press release, the dam could supply between 5 million and 10 million gallons of water per day (MGD). Its final capacity will be determined after the design is completed and technical assessments and operational requirements are reviewed.
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The authority is also planning to construct four check dams at the foothills of the Margalla Hills. These will be located in areas near D-12, Shah Allah Ditta and Saidpur. However, tenders for these projects have not yet been issued.
Alongside the dam projects, the CDA plans to install 100 recharge wells to replenish underground water reserves and support Islamabad’s long-term water needs.
The authority has also proposed two additional dams. Chinot Dam is planned for the catchment area of Simly Dam, while Dotara Dam will be built in the catchment area of Khanpur Dam.
Through these projects, the CDA aims to increase water availability in the capital, strengthen existing resources and reduce pressure on Islamabad’s current water supply system.