Authorities have approved major water supply projects to address growing shortages in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
The projects aim to ensure long-term water availability for residents amid rising demand and urban expansion pressures.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi.
Senior officials from Wapda, the Capital Development Authority, Punjab government, and the prime minister’s office attended.
Officials approved the construction of the Dotara Dam upstream of the existing Khanpur Dam.
According to Wapda, the project will supply up to seventy-two million gallons of water daily.
Authorities have estimated the Dotara Dam project cost at around forty billion rupees.
This estimate excludes land acquisition costs, which will be assessed separately during detailed planning.
The meeting directed Wapda to complete a comprehensive feasibility report within the next two months.
Construction work is expected to begin immediately after approval to meet the December 2027 deadline.
Officials also approved the Shahdara Dam project on the Shahdara stream in the Margalla Hills.
The dam is expected to supply ten million gallons of water per day at lower cost.
The Shahdara Dam project is estimated to cost approximately four billion rupees.
Authorities believe it will significantly ease water pressure in surrounding sectors of Islamabad.
Also read: Leopard Spotted in International Islamic University Islamabad
