ISLAMABAD, July 24: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has paid Rs3.5 million to a consultant firm for preparing a study on the construction of six small dams in the capital, a source told Dawn here on Wednesday.

“Had the task been given to its planning wing, the authority could have saved the amount,” the source added.

The dams would be constructed at Noorpur, Saidpur, Kalanger, Loi Bhair, Mehra Beri and Golra.

The source said the total cost of the study was Rs4.9 million. Of which, Rs3.5 million were given to the firm and Rs1.4 million spent on other purposes.

Keeping in view the record rain of 620mm which was recorded on July 23, 2001, the study was conducted to preserve rain water.

The source revealed that the CDA would also hire a private firm to prepare the feasibility report,

According to a rough estimate, the construction of all six proposed dams required over Rs1 billion approximately, the official said.