Water level in Khanpur Dam ‘alarming’

Rawalpindi: The problem of water shortage, which persists in Rawalpindi city and cantonments areas, is likely to become severe and could develop as a crisis like situation as water level in dams has almost depleted and water supply from this source could be managed for hardly one month if no rains occur.

According to credible sources of Khanpur Dam, only 10 feet water level is left in this dam, which is major source of water supply to Rawalpindi cantonment areas and the city. In lieu of this situation, water in Khanpur Dam is sufficient enough to cater to the need of supply for only one month.

While sensing the alarming  situation of water in Khanpur Dam, its authorities have written letters to the heads of civic bodies, including Rawalpindi Cantonment Board, Chaklala Cantonment Board and Wasa to convene a meeting to discuss the issue for drawing up a strategy in this regard. According to sources, the objective of the meeting would also be to take measures for preventing a water crisis in the peak months of summer, which are witnessed from June to August.

The heads of the civic bodies in the meeting while adopting an effective strategy should take steps for creating awareness among the citizens not to waste water through watering their lawns, plants, washing floors and keeping their taps open. All these measures are needed to save water which is likely to turn into a crisis like situation in the coming months.

The situation of water level according to another source in Rawal Dam is also not satisfactory as it has also gone down considerably making it hard for the concerned civic body to meet the demand of supply through this source.

RCB Secretary Qaisar Mahmood told the authorities inKhanpur had forwarded a letter to the civic body in connection with water level left in this dam. We in accordance convened a meeting and have adopted measures to cater with the need of supply to the consumers. After dilating comprehensively the issue we have decided to create awareness among the people through print media and other forums to save water instead of wasting it. The citizens should repair leakages in water pipelines and also their taps to save water. The usage of water needs to be minimised considerably and car washing not to be done and watering the lawns be stopped.

Qaisar Mahmood who is also media coordinator informed that due to gravity of the situation, a task force has been formed and its staff have been directed to remain vigilant in order to preventing water wastage. The water section staff have been directed to repair leakages if occurs anywhere in parts of Rawalpindi Cantonment.

Similarly, Assistant Director of Wasa, Umar Farooq told that a meeting was held in connection with water level left in Khanpur Dam. He said that the in the meeting it was informed that water level in Khanpur Dam is sufficient for another 45 days even if there are no rains . However, measures are needed to check wastage of water at all levels.

Umar Farooq said that the beneficiaries of Khanpur Dam sources include Heavy Textile Industry, Hazara Irrigation department besides the residential and commercial consumers of Rawalpindi. The concerned bodies should take measures to adopt such strategy which could not affect the supply of water to Hazara Irrigation department and Taxila Industry. Effective measures are needed in this regard, he said.

  He said water level in Rawal Dam is not alarming compared to Khanpur Dam. Through the source of Rawal Dam we are able to meet the demand of water supply for another 3 months even if rains do not fall, the Wasa spokesman stated.