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The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has expressed concerns over a potential water shortage in the federal capital.
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Housing was held under the chairmanship of Senator Nasir Butt, where the CDA briefed the committee on the water supply situation in Islamabad.
Officials informed the committee that Islamabad receives water from Rawal Dam, Khanpur Dam, and Simly Dam. However, due to a lack of rainfall this year, water reserves are depleting. Simly Dam has water left only until June, while an emergency has been declared in Rawalpindi due to water scarcity.
It is noteworthy that due to prolonged drought, the underground water level in Rawalpindi has dropped, and water reserves have diminished. In response, WASA Rawalpindi declared a drought emergency yesterday, imposing a one-month ban on washing vehicles at service stations and homes.
Managing Director (MD) WASA, Saleem Ashraf, urged citizens to avoid washing floors, vehicles, and watering gardens at home. He warned that strict action would be taken against violators.
According to MD WASA, the drought has worsened dangerously due to the lack of rainfall, and the cleaning of Khanpur Dam has further reduced the water supply.
Rawalpindi city’s daily water demand is 70 million gallons, while 51 million gallons were being supplied daily. However, due to the absence of rainfall, daily water supply has further decreased by 5 million gallons.
Meanwhile, the meeting also discussed the proposal to make Murree a district. The Commissioner of Rawalpindi stated that if a district complex is not established, future challenges may arise.
The Deputy Commissioner of Murree suggested installing barbed wire around the land, but the Secretary of Housing argued that fencing land not under encroachment would not be appropriate.
The meeting also debated the transfer of land belonging to the Ministry of Housing. The Commissioner of Rawalpindi suggested that if the ministry does not need the land, it should be handed over to the Punjab government. The Chairman of the committee sought clarification on land ownership, to which officials responded that the matter is currently under judicial review.
Additionally, the issue of allocating a government residence to a widow was also discussed. Committee members expressed their displeasure over the failure to provide her with accommodation despite directives.
Officials from the Estate Office stated that the widow did not meet the allotment criteria. However, the committee requested details of all allotments made since January 1. The Chairman of the committee directed those complete details of all allottees be provided within a week.
