RAWALPINDI: Upon witnessing the low water level in Khanpur Dam, Capital Development Authority (CDA) has asked the dam administration to ensure that drinking water is supplied to the twin cities whereas supply for irrigation purposes is stopped.

The administration was urged to do this as residents of both cities relied on water from the dam for drinking. Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) has also supported the CDA in this regard.

CDA is managing water supply for both cities at Sangjani Water Filtration Plant while Wasa and Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) jointly bore the expenditure of this filtration plant.

Terming the next 48 days crucial, Wasa Managing Director Raja Shaukat said that water shortage is already a looming issue.

CDA Water Management Deputy Director General Sardar Khan Zimri, in a letter to the executive engineer of the dam pointed out that even after monsoon rains, water level in the dam was 1,938 feet which is very less and the situation in Simly Dam is similar.

He said the present available storage is expected to last for the next 48 days even with 50pc curtailed supply. In the current situation, there is dire need to ensure municipal water supply for Islamabad and Rawalpindi. It should be given priority and supply for irrigation purposes must be stopped in the light of relevant provisions of the Water Apportionment Accord-1991 and National Water Policy 2018, the letter stated.

As per para 5 of Water Apportionment Accord-1991: “Industrial and urban water supplies for Metropolitan city, for which there were sanctioned allocation, will be accorded priority.”

According to the National Water Policy 2018, drinking and sanitation is a priority when it comes to water use whereas irrigation, livestock, fishing and wildlife use comes after the human requirement is fulfilled. Water use in relation to hydro power is fourth in the list.

Mr Shaukat said that water shortage will grip city and cantonment areas in the coming days if necessary action is not taken, adding, there was very less rain in catchment areas of Khanpur Dam which is likely to be the root of the problem.

He added that water from the dam was being supplied to Pirwadhai, Dhoke Hassu, Dhoke Mangtal, Shamsabad, Sadiqabad and adjoining areas. “Water level in these areas receded in the last few years and mostly tube wells went dry. Water supply is only possible from Khanpur Dam,” he said.

It may be mentioned here that Wasa receives 6 million gallons daily (MGD) of water from Khanpur Dam while Rawalpindi and Chaklala Cantonment Boards receive 9 MGD.

Besides water from the dam, residents of the city do not have any other option but to buy water from water tankers that get their supply from nearby nullahs and streams.

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2021