Govt Takes Bold Action: 7 Powerful Measures to Combat Islamabad Water Shortage

ISLAMABAD — Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired a high-level meeting to review short- and long-term solutions to the Islamabad water shortage. The meeting brought together senior officials from:

• Ministry of Interior
• Capital Development Authority (CDA)
• Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA)
• Rawalpindi Administration

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and Adviser to the Prime Minister Syed Tauqeer Shah also attended, highlighting the urgency attached to the issue.

Islamabad Water Shortage: Why the Crisis Is Worsening

The Islamabad water shortage has been intensifying due to several interconnected factors:

• Rapid urban expansion without proportional infrastructure upgrades
• Declining groundwater levels
• Climate change–driven rainfall variability
• Inefficient water distribution systems
• Rampant water theft and illegal connections

New Dams to Secure Long-Term Water Supply

To counter the Islamabad water shortage on a sustainable basis, the government has decided that the CDA and Punjab government will jointly construct new dams. These dams will serve both Islamabad and Rawalpindi, ensuring regional water resilience.

Officials reviewed progress on several small but strategically important dam projects, including:

• Chirah Dam
• Dotara Dam
• Shahdara Dam

These projects are expected to enhance water storage capacity and reduce reliance on groundwater extraction.

Dotara Dam Project Approved: A Major Breakthrough

Among the most significant developments is the approval of the Dotara Dam, a project designed to store 110 million gallons per day (MGD).

Key Highlights of Dotara Dam:

• Storage Capacity: 110 MGD
• Completion Timeline: Within two years
• Purpose: Urban and rural water supply enhancement

WAPDA and CDA presented feasibility studies and timelines, confirming the dam’s technical and environmental viability.

Overhauling Islamabad’s Water Distribution Network

Interior Minister Naqvi expressed serious concern over gaps in the existing water distribution system. Leakages, uneven pressure, and outdated pipelines have significantly worsened the Islamabad water shortage.

Government Instructions:

• Immediate identification of system flaws
• Replacement of aging pipelines
• Introduction of monitoring mechanisms
• Ensuring uninterrupted water delivery

These reforms aim to improve efficiency rather than relying solely on new supply sources.

Crackdown on Water Theft and Illegal Connections

A strict crackdown on water theft and misuse of connections was ordered as part of the emergency plan. Authorities estimate that illegal connections account for a substantial portion of water losses in Islamabad.

Actions include:

• Disconnection of illegal lines
• Heavy fines for repeat offenders
• Legal action under relevant laws

This move is expected to recover millions of gallons lost daily.

Short-Term Relief Measures for Residents

Calling water supply his “top priority,” Minister Naqvi directed departments to activate short-term relief measures using all available resources.

These include:

• Optimized water tanker operations
• Emergency borewell management
• Temporary redistribution from surplus zones

Rawalpindi–Islamabad Joint Water Strategy

Recognizing the interconnected nature of the crisis, the government emphasized regional cooperation. Islamabad and Rawalpindi will now follow a coordinated water management strategy to avoid duplication and inefficiencies.

The Commissioner Rawalpindi and CDA Board members participated in planning discussions, ensuring alignment at administrative levels.

Expert Views on Islamabad Water Shortage

Water policy experts believe the plan is ambitious but warn that execution will determine success.

According to climate analysts, Islamabad must integrate:

• Rainwater harvesting
• Smart metering
• Demand-side management

What This Means for Islamabad’s Future

If implemented effectively, the emergency-action plan could:

• Stabilize water supply for millions
• Reduce dependence on groundwater
• Improve urban resilience against climate shocks

However, delays or weak enforcement could worsen the Islamabad water shortage, especially during peak summer months.

Conclusion: A Test of Implementation

The government’s bold and urgent response to the Islamabad water shortage marks a critical turning point. With dam approvals, system upgrades, and enforcement actions, the plan addresses both supply and governance failures.

Minister Naqvi has demanded a comprehensive 10-day roadmap for on-ground execution—a clear signal that patience is running out.

The coming months will reveal whether these powerful measures translate into real relief for residents or remain confined to policy documents.

External Link:

CDA:       www.cda.gov.pk

UN-Water: Coordinating the UN’s work on water and sanitation