CDA Plans Two-Year Project to Help Ease the Capital’s Growing Water Shortage
Islamabad’s long-awaited Shahdara Dam project is expected to move towards construction soon, as the Capital Development Authority (CDA) works to increase the city’s water supply.
The project is planned to provide around 5–10 million gallons of water per day (MGD) to Islamabad. The expected supply will depend on the final design, technical assessments and operating arrangements.
The dam will be built near the Shahdara picnic area in Islamabad. According to the CDA, the project is planned for completion within two years. CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf has also said the authority will try to complete it in 20 months.
Why Does Islamabad Need the Shahdara Dam?
Islamabad is facing a growing gap between water demand and supply. Recent reporting puts the city’s daily water demand at around 250 MGD, while the CDA supplies approximately 70 MGD, mainly through Khanpur Dam, Simly Dam and tubewells.
The new dam is intended to provide an additional source of surface water and improve long-term water availability for residents.
More Water Projects Also Planned
The CDA has also outlined plans for four check dams near the Margalla Hills and 100 recharge wells to help improve groundwater levels. Tenders for these additional projects had not yet been issued in the latest reporting.
The Shahdara Dam project is currently moving through the procurement process. The CDA published a prequalification notice for construction firms on October 12, while a later tender update revised the bid submission and opening date to November 10, 2026.
The project could become an important step towards improving Islamabad’s water supply, but its actual contribution will depend on implementation and the completion of the planned works.
