ISLAMABAD: In a crucial step to tackle the worsening water shortage, the Capital Development Authority is finalising the design of the Shahdara Dam, a long awaited project aimed at boosting water supply for the federal capital. Authorities are pushing for an early start to construction as demand continues to outpace supply.

Chairing a high level meeting, Muhammad Ali Randhawa was informed that the feasibility study has been completed and the design phase is nearing completion. Officials said the dam, to be built in Shahdara, will supply up to 10 million gallons of water per day to Islamabad.

Once the design is approved, the project will move to the PC One stage before being presented to the Development Working Party for final clearance. Officials added that more than 30 acres of land will need to be acquired before construction begins.

The meeting also reviewed progress on the proposed Dotara Dam upstream of Khanpur Dam, which is expected to supply 72 million gallons per day to both Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Its feasibility study is currently under way and is likely to be completed by May 2026.

Islamabad is currently facing a severe water deficit, receiving around 70 million gallons daily against a demand exceeding 220 million gallons. Rapid population growth and the absence of new water sources over the past three decades have intensified the crisis.

To address the shortfall, authorities are also advancing multiple initiatives including installation of modern monitoring systems, construction of rainwater recharge wells, new storage tanks and enforcement of rooftop rainwater harvesting. Officials stressed that timely execution of these projects is critical to securing the city’s water future.