TAXILA: The spillways of Khanpur Dam were opened as its reservoir was filled up to its capacity, due to continuous heavy downpour in catchment areas during the monsoon season, official sources said on Thursday.

They said the reservoir reached its maximum conservation level which is why they opened the dam’s spillways to mitigate heavy inflow of water, approaching the reservoir. Sources said that continuous heavy rain in catchment areas especially Galyiat filled the dam up to its capacity.

The dam was filled by up to 1,981 feet of water, while the maximum conservation level is 1,982 ft. Hence, the authorities have decided to open the spillways till the discharge of more than 6,600 cusecs.

The officials said that current water inflow in the reservoir was 1,350 cusecs and outflow was 149.18 cusecs. Provision of water to Rawalpindi and Islamabad would continue.

The serene beauty of the lake has attracted people from different areas. The dam not only provides drinking water to Islamabad and Rawalpindi, but is also a source for irrigation in some parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. Officials said that there would no longer be a shortage of water in Rawalpindi and Islamabad and for irrigation purposes as well. The dam’s high water level will also help in maintaining groundwater level from Khanpur to Attock.

The dam’s administration warned people from Haripur, Attock, Rawalpindi and downward areas of the dam, to avoid the discharged water from Khanpur lake.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2020