ISLAMABAD: As the capital’s population surges rampantly, its natural resources are under severe strain; with water scarcity becoming the most pressing challenge for the citizens. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) – dedicated to serving the municipal needs of the capital’s residents– is making every possible effort to tackle the unprecedented water crisis through numerous measures. To resolve the crisis, it is crucial to formulate a comprehensive, long-term strategy, experts said. In the last two decades, Islamabad’s population grew more than double, intensifying the pressure on already available resources like Simly, Rawal and Khanpur dams, according to available data. The expansion of housing societies to meet the residential demands and accommodate the influx of new residents has exacerbated the situation, the experts maintained.
Adding to the complexity are depleting groundwater reserves and the catastrophic impacts of climate change, including erratic weather patterns, rising temperatures and the reduction of freshwater resources, the experts said.
Sardar Khan Zimri, Director General of Water Management at the CDA said, “Although the situation is challenging, yet the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has initiated several measures to address the shortfall.” “With the population growth and emergence of new settlements, increase in water demand is natural and the Authority is fully cognizant of its duties,” he said. “Therefore, we are looking for more options and proposed construction of two new dams, Shahdra and Chiniot Dam, to augment existing water supply.”
Improving Efficiency
To improve efficiency of existing water system, Zimri said, the CDA plans to modernize the distribution network and sewage treatment plants. “These upgrades aim to reduce water losses and enhance overall effectiveness of water management system”, Zimri said.
Zimri noted that pre-feasibility studies for Shahdra and Chiniot Dams have been approved, and the CDA has requested Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) to evaluate the Dotara Dam site. “If the civic agency succeeds in laying gravity tunnel from Dotara Dam via Shahdara, it would be able to generate around 10 to 13 megawatts electricity as well.”
Enhancing Storage Capacity
Additionally, the CDA is working on enhancing the water storage capacity of the Khanpur Dam and addressing issues like seepage and theft, which currently results in a 40 to 50 percent water loss. The authority is also resuming work on the incomplete pipeline from Shah Allah Ditta reservoir to sectors I-11, I-12, I-14, I-15, I-16 etc, with tenders already called for missing sections from Shah Allah Ditta to Sector G-13 with starting work on one portion. Zimri also said the CDA Board has approved amendments in the by-laws for rooftop rainwater harvesting.
Installing Filtration Plants
The CDA had also installed 94 filtration plants across Islamabad to ensure clean drinking water for residents as per the WHO standards. “The quality of water supplied through these plants is regularly monitored by the CDA Lab and cross-checked by organizations like PCRWR, NIH, and Pak-EPA.”
Ensuring a Reliable Water Supply
The DG also informed that CDA is undertaking long-term projects to secure a more reliable water supply for the twin cities. “One such project is the Conduction of Water from Indus River System at Tarbela Dam for Islamabad and Rawalpindi. This project aims to develop a perennial source of potable water to meet both current and future demands for twin cities”, said Zimri.
A Grave Challenge
The burgeoning population now demands about 120 million gallons per day MGD of water, with projections suggesting even greater needs in the future. Groundwater levels, which were once around 10 meters deep in the 1960s, have now dropped to 60-120 meters, further strained by climate change and shifting rainfall patterns. This is insufficient to meet the high demand.
Residents are calling the authorities out for a comprehensive strategy to address the dwindling water availability, expressing their concerns over future living conditions. Maria, a concerned mother, stressed the need for a “timely action to ensure future generations live in a better environment” with access to all of the essential resources. Ahmed, another resident expressed same views and asked the government to take immediate steps to address the issue.
Experts said that the CDA should take immediate steps to address the citizens issues in the country’s capital. They lauded the efforts of the CDA but demanded more actions in this connection. As the city grapples with its growth, both civic agencies and residents must work together to implement effective solutions and ensure the sustainable management of this vital resource, they further said.
