Islamabad to Get a New Dam

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced that construction of the Shahdara Dam project will begin soon, potentially marking Islamabad's first major water project in nearly three decades. CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf told Dawn that the authority aims to complete the project within 20 months, ahead of the two-year timeline outlined in its initial planning document. 'We are going to resolve Islamabad's water issue. Shahdara Dam is the first major step towards our goal,' Ashraf said. The CDA floated a tender for the dam's construction on Wednesday. The project will be built near the Shahdara picnic area and is expected to introduce a new source of surface water into Islamabad's supply network. According to a CDA press release, the dam is expected to contribute around 5 to 10 million gallons per day (MGD), subject to the final design, technical assessments and operational arrangements. Alongside the Shahdara Dam, the CDA plans to construct four check dams at the foothills of the Margalla Hills, including locations near D-12, Shah Allah Ditta and Saidpur. The authority has yet to issue tenders for these projects. The CDA also plans to begin work on 100 recharge wells to help replenish Islamabad's underground water reserves. Besides Shahdara Dam, the CDA has planned two additional projects: Chinot Dam in the catchment area of Simly Dam and Dotara Dam in the catchment area of Khanpur Dam.