A looming water crisis has emerged in Rawalpindi and Islamabad as the Khanpur Dam‘s water level has dropped significantly, with current supplies only expected to last for the next 35 days, according to Dawn. The situation is exacerbated by the appearance of rocks and mounds in the reservoir, particularly around the main storage zone and spillways, highlighting the severe impact of climate change and a rapidly declining water table.
Dam authorities have expressed growing concern, noting that if substantial rainfall does not occur within the next 10 to 15 days, the water levels could drop further, potentially reaching the dead level of the dam. Insufficient rainfall in the catchment areas, including the Margalla Hills and Galiyat, has worsened the situation, as these areas typically contribute to the reservoir’s water levels.
As of Tuesday, the dam’s water level stood at 1,935 feet above mean sea level (AMSL), just 25 feet above the dead level of 1,910 AMSL. The dry spell, combined with the depletion of natural springs, has resulted in a sharply reduced water inflow, which was recorded at just 82 cusecs compared to an outflow of 235 cusecs per day.
To manage the crisis, authorities are considering halting the irrigation water supply to Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa starting next week. Additionally, the provision of drinking water to Rawalpindi and Islamabad may also be cut back. Currently, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) receives 90 cusecs per day, while smaller civic bodies like UET Taxila get 6.18 cusecs, and the irrigation department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab receive 48 cusecs and 42 cusecs, respectively.
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has emphasized the need for immediate rainfall to avert further deterioration of the situation and prevent more severe water shortages for the two cities and surrounding areas.
