Pakistan is facing a serious water crisis, especially in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The water levels in the main dams—Rawal, Simly, and Khanpur—are falling rapidly due to a prolonged dry spell and much lower rainfall this year. This situation has led to a severe shortage of water for residents.
The groundwater table in Rawalpindi has dropped below 700 feet, making it even harder to access water. As a result, the city is preparing to implement a water rationing plan in the second half of May. The shortage has also caused a surge in demand for private water tankers, which now charge a fee for delivery, while the government is providing free water tankers in the most affected areas.
According to the National Drought Monitoring and Early Warning Centre, Rawal Dam’s water level is now at 1,741.10 feet, close to its dead level of 1,708 feet. Simly Dam, which supplies water to Islamabad, is at 2,263.80 feet, while Khanpur Dam stands at 1,937.58 feet. These levels are dangerously low, and there is only enough water left in the dams to meet the needs of Rawalpindi and Islamabad for about 40 to 45 days.
If there is no significant rainfall in the next two weeks, the situation could become critical. High temperatures are also causing more water to evaporate from the dams. The shortage has forced authorities to take strict measures. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has launched a “Water Control Plan,” which includes crackdowns on water theft, action against people who do not pay their water bills, and bans on using pipeline water for gardens, driveways, or car washing. Car wash stations must now install water recycling systems.
Most of WASA’s 500 tube wells are old and shallow, making them vulnerable to drying out. The newer tube wells are under heavy pressure and are running for longer hours to meet demand. Meanwhile, the Chahan Dam Water Supply Scheme is under construction and, once completed, is expected to improve the water supply.
Officials warn that with changing climate patterns, relying on tube wells is not a sustainable solution. Projects like the Ghazi Barotha Project, if implemented, could solve the water shortage in Rawalpindi and Islamabad for the next century.
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Hamaray yehan ki Kuttee government (national. & Provincial) Sirf khanay may lagii hy, us ko Dams ka kia karna.
Ab crocodile crying 😭 ka kia karna.