ISLAMABAD: The issue between Small Dam Organisation (SDO) and Capital Development Authority (CDA) over release of two million gallon daily (mgd) water to Islamabad from Rawal Dam is going to be resolved as the civic agency has paid the outstanding Rs32 million to the SDO.

Before restoring the supply of two mgd from the dam, the SDO had been demanding that the CDA first clear the Rs32 million dues.

“The longstanding issue regarding restoration of water from Rawal Dam has been resolved as the CDA a few days ago paid the dues to to SDO. Now, there is no hurdle in the release of water,” said Special Assistant to Prime Minister on CDA Affairs Ali Nawaz Awan.

Mr Awan, who is also convener of a subcommittee of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Water Resources, told Dawn that after getting the two mgd from Rawal Dam the CDA could overcome water scarcity issue in ‘I’ series sectors, mainly I-10.

“Sector I-10 and G-10 are badly affected by water shortage. The CDA will be asked to focus on these two sectors in the upcoming summer,” he said.

CDA officials said the SDO will provide two mgd raw water to the CDA and the latter will treat it at its treatment plant before releasing to the sectors.

Rawal Dam caters to the exclusive water needs of Rawalpindi. The CDA used to get two to four mgd till the 1990s but later the supply was discontinued.

However, last year CDA Chairman Amer Ali Ahmed decided to get the supply restored. The matter was taken up by the subcommittee which directed both the parties to settle the issue as Islamabad was facing shortage of water.

CDA officials said a joint visit of officials from both the organisations was made to the water reservoir recently during which the CDA handed over a draft agreement to the SDO.

“Now, the SDO is finalising the agreement. Hopefully, in the next few days it will approved their draft and then representatives of both the organisations will sign the agreement before releasing water for CDA,” said a officer, who is part of the CDA team engaged with SDO for release of water.

Published in Dawn, March 15th, 2021