Islamabad Faces Severe Water Shortage; CDA Plans New Dams for Relief

Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) is currently grappling with an alarming water shortage as its population of 2.3 million requires approximately 126 million gallons of drinking water per day. Unfortunately, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has only been able to supply between 70 and 80 million gallons daily, creating a substantial shortfall.

Despite the presence of three major dams—Smalley, Rawal, and Khanpur—and 201 tube wells, the CDA has failed to meet the city’s growing water demands. In response to the crisis, the CDA has announced plans to construct two new dams—Shahdara Dam and Chinyot Dam—expected to be completed within four years. Once operational, these dams are projected to provide an additional 18 to 21 million gallons of water daily, easing the city’s water woes, particularly in urban and some rural areas.

CDA Water Supply Director Sardar Khan Zamri confirmed that the Shahdara Dam would contribute six to seven million gallons of water per day, while the Chinyot Dam will add 12 to 14 million gallons. However, Zamri noted that the project timeline will only become clear after the completion of pre-feasibility studies, conducted with guidance from consultants and WAPDA.

In the short term, the CDA anticipates some relief with the completion of the Dutara Dam water supply project within the next four months. This will provide immediate assistance to the city’s residents, helping mitigate the current water crisis while the long-term dam projects are under construction.