January 27, 2007	Saturday	Muharram 07, 1428

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RAWALPINDI, Jan 26: The increase in water level at Khanpur Dam has raised the hope that the supply of water to the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad would be normal during the upcoming summer season.

Presently, the water level stands at 51 feet compared with 20 feet in the corresponding period last year registering an increase of 31 feet. The current level means that surplus water would be available for the residents of the twin cities for 150 days. Even in case of low rainfall during the monsoon, the healthy reservoir would be able to meet the water need till August, a senior official of Rawalpindi Cantonment Board told this reporter.

Meanwhile, Rawalpindi and Islamabad are getting a steady supply of water after the cleaning and de-silting of the dam’s canal a few days back.

Over 200 workers drawn from Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB), Capital Development Authority (CDA), Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), irrigation departments of Punjab and NWFP and other agencies concerned took part in the cleaning of the 19-kilometer canal which ends at the Sangjani filtration plant handled by the CDA. The operation was launched on January 16.

The Capital Development Authority draws nine million gallons of water per day from Khanpur Dam, while RCB draws eight million gallons. The RDA gets six million gallons per day to meet the municipal needs of the city.