Islamabad infrastructure faces water shortages and flooding risks

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is working to complete the PC-I for the proposed Shahdara Dam this month. Once approved, the project will enter a tendering process. The dam is expected to provide up to 10 million gallons of water per day to Islamabad, addressing a significant gap between the city's current supply of 70 million gallons and an estimated demand of 220 million gallons.

Construction of the Shahdara Dam will be conducted under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode, with Nespak preparing the documentation following a feasibility study by Wapda. Officials estimate the dam could be completed within two years of starting work. Other planned projects include the Chinot Dam and the Mega Dotara Dam.

Separately, Islamabad has faced recent flash flooding caused by heavy rainfall. Investigations suggest that negligence by the CDA regarding the city's master plan has exacerbated the issue. Encroachments on natural water channels (nullahs) and the narrowing of their right-of-way by private housing schemes have created bottlenecks, contributing to urban flooding in sectors such as E-11, Park Road, and Ghauri Town.