Just 35 Days of Water Left at Khanpur Dam—What’s Next for ISB residents?

TAXILA: The twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad face a looming water crisis as the water level in Khanpur Dam continues to decline.

According to reports, the available water in the reservoir can only meet the needs of its beneficiaries for the next 35 days, unless significant rainfall occurs in the coming weeks.

Recent observations at the dam show that rocks and mounds are becoming visible, particularly at the main storage site and spillways. This stark change highlights the severe impact of climatic shifts and the dwindling water table. If there is no rainfall within the next 10 to 15 days, the water level is expected to drop further, possibly reaching a critical dead level.

Causes Behind the Water Crisis

Authorities point to insufficient rainfall in the dam’s catchment areas, which include the Margalla Hills and Galiyat regions, as the main cause of the crisis. The low rainfall has led to a significant reduction in the dam’s water inflow, currently recorded at just 82 cusecs, while the outflow is at 235 cusecs per day. Springs in the catchment areas have dried up due to the prolonged dry spell.

Due to the current water shortage, the authorities have warned of suspending the water supply for irrigation purposes to both Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The drinking water supply to Rawalpindi and Islamabad may also face significant reductions.

At present, the water in the dam is only sufficient for 35 days. A Wapda official revealed that the water level is currently at 1,935 feet above mean sea level (AMSL), just 25 feet above the dead level of 1,910 feet AMSL. The government has already made plans to reduce the supply of water for irrigation to both KP and Punjab if the situation worsens.

Water Control Measures and Rationing Plans

To manage the ongoing water crisis, Wasa (Water and Sanitation Agency) has introduced a “Water Control Plan.” This plan includes crackdowns on water theft, penalties for bill defaulters, and restrictions on non-essential water use. Without significant rainfall, the situation is expected to worsen, and authorities are preparing for a water rationing system to be implemented by mid-May.

According to Wasa Managing Director Mohammad Saleem Ashraf, Rawalpindi’s daily water demand has reached over 50 million gallons, but the current supply stands at only 30 million gallons, resulting in a deficit of 20 million gallons each day.

Khanpur Dam’s Role and Location

Khanpur Dam, located near the Potohar Plateau, serves as a crucial water source for Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Situated around 40 kilometers from Islamabad and 15 kilometers from Haripur in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the dam plays a vital role in supplying both domestic water to the twin cities and irrigation water to surrounding agricultural and industrial areas.

If there is no substantial rainfall soon, the crisis could deepen, affecting millions of residents and agricultural sectors in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and beyond. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and have called for immediate action to conserve water and manage the crisis effectively.