CDA Launches Emergency Campaign at Rawal Dam Due to This Major Issue

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has launched a large-scale cleanliness campaign around Rawal Dam as the iconic water reservoir’s sewage continues to choke due to a lack of cleanliness.

Untreated sewage and solid waste continue to flow into Rawal Dam, mainly through the Korang Nullah, posing a growing environmental threat. According to officials, sewage from settlements in Murree, Bari Imam, Bhara Kahu, and Banigala remains the primary source of contamination.

“The polluted water entering Rawal Dam is a serious issue that must be addressed urgently,” an official said, recalling that the matter had previously reached the Supreme Court, which instructed authorities to take corrective measures.

Cleanliness Campaign Begins

The CDA announced on Sunday that it has begun a comprehensive cleanliness campaign around the dam at the direction of CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa. The Solid Waste Management Directorate has started removing garbage and waste from the surrounding areas, according to an official press release.

Legal action has also been initiated against individuals and establishments violating solid waste regulations. “Fines are being imposed on restaurants, housing societies, and commercial centers responsible for spreading litter and pollution around Rawal Dam,” the CDA said.

The campaign will include participation from civil society, students, and residents of Islamabad. Interested participants can join the drive on October 15 by contacting the Director of Solid Waste Management or registering through the CDA website.

CDA Chairman Randhawa said the initiative aims to raise public awareness against littering and promote civic responsibility. He added that protecting aquatic life and the natural ecosystem around Rawal Dam was the main purpose of the campaign.

Long Overdue Sewage Projects

Several years ago, the federal government and CDA had initiated the Rs. 6.1 billion project following directives from the Supreme Court, which had raised serious concerns over sewage and waste contaminating the reservoir. The plan called for three treatment plants to be constructed in Banigala, Bari Imam, and Shahdara, but progress has been repeatedly delayed due to funding issues and bureaucratic hurdles.

Although the federal government allocates funds for the project each year, the amounts have remained symbolic. For the 2025–26 fiscal year, only Rs. 100 million was earmarked, far short of what is needed to complete the work. This limited funding, officials say, shows that the project is still not a federal priority.

A CDA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the civic body was not responsible for the delays as the project was federally funded. “A committee has been formed to determine the technology to be used. Once the report is finalized, we will move toward the tendering process,” the official said. He added that the CDA has asked the federal government either to release additional grants for early completion or allow the project to be executed in phases.

The authority first invited bids for the project in 2021, but the contract could not be awarded on time. A later attempt also failed when the bidding process remained non-responsive, largely due to the meager budget allocation.