In a significant move to address the capital’s severe water crisis, the federal government has announced a comprehensive water supply initiative for Islamabad and Rawalpindi, including the construction of multiple small dams and enforcement of new water conservation regulations.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, speaking in the National Assembly, revealed that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has formed a high-level committee led by the Interior Minister to oversee the initiative. The announcement followed a call-attention notice by MNA Anjum Aqeel Khan, who raised concerns about the dangerously low underground water levels in Islamabad.
Once at 10 meters in 1960, Islamabad’s water table has now plunged to over 120 meters, a decline attributed to rapid urbanization and population growth. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) currently supplies just 60 million gallons per day, whereas the actual requirement exceeds 120 million gallons—meeting only 90% of urban and just 15–20% of rural water demands.
To address this alarming gap, Talal Chaudhry outlined a series of measures:
- Construction of small dams in Shahdara, Chirah, and Rawalpindi.
- Rainwater harvesting made mandatory for all new residential and commercial buildings through revised CDA by-laws.
- Installation of soak wells to improve rainwater seepage into the soil.
- Strict discouragement of groundwater boring.
- Supplementary water supply through treated water from Sangjani and tankers from Khanpur.
Water rates remain heavily subsidized: residents of 10-marla houses pay Rs. 192/month, while one-kanal households pay Rs. 280, covering only half the actual cost of water provision.
Chaudhry also highlighted government efforts in rural areas, where 44 water supply schemes have been launched. However, only 12 are operational, with the rest facing issues like malfunctioning motors and unpaid electricity bills.
Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry added that over 1.2 million rural residents lack regular water access. He assured the assembly that the government is determined to resolve the capital’s water crisis within its tenure.
