Dotara and Shahdara dams have been approved to supply over 80 million gallons of water per day to Islamabad and Rawalpindi by December 2027, easing chronic shortages.
Dotara and Shahdara Dams Approved for Twin Cities
Authorities have approved two new water supply projects to tackle the growing shortage of drinking water in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. In a high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi, officials cleared the construction of the Dotara Dam and the Shahdara Dam, with a target completion date of December 2027. The meeting was attended by the prime minister’s adviser, the CDA chairman and representatives from Wapda and the Punjab government.
Officials said the new dams are meant to secure long-term water supplies for the twin cities, which are facing rising demand due to population growth and rapid urbanisation. Frequent complaints about low pressure and dry taps have highlighted the need for new, reliable sources of treated water.
Dotara Dam: A Major New Source of Drinking Water
During the meeting, Wapda presented its initial findings for the Dotara Dam, which will be constructed upstream of the existing Khanpur Dam. According to officials, Dotara is designed to supply around 72 million gallons of water per day to Rawalpindi and Islamabad once it is completed and fully operational. This volume would significantly boost the current bulk supply and ease pressure on existing sources, especially during dry months.
The estimated cost of the Dotara Dam project stands at roughly Rs40 billion, excluding land acquisition. Officials acknowledged that land costs can be substantial, but argued that the long-term benefit of secure drinking water justifies the investment. The project will also require intake works, treatment facilities and transmission lines.
Shahdara Dam to Strengthen Islamabad’s Local Supply
In addition to Dotara, the meeting also approved the construction of the Shahdara Dam on the Shahdara stream in the Margalla Hills. This smaller dam is expected to supply about 10 million gallons of water per day. While its capacity is lower than Dotara’s, it will provide an important local source of water closer to Islamabad, helping to stabilise supply for nearby communities and reducing reliance on more distant reservoirs.
Officials put the estimated cost of Shahdara Dam at around Rs4 billion. Because it is being built on a local stream in the Margalla range, the project will require careful management of natural flows and nearby ecosystems so that water supply needs are balanced with environmental protection.
Funding Plan, Feasibility Timeline and 2027 Deadline
The meeting directed Wapda to complete a comprehensive feasibility report for Dotara Dam within two months. This report will confirm technical designs, cost estimates and timelines. Officials instructed relevant departments to begin construction work as soon as feasibility is finalised, in order to meet the December 2027 target.
To keep both projects on track, the federal and Punjab governments have been asked to arrange the necessary funding. The meeting agreed that timely financial approvals and coordinated budgeting will be crucial if the twin dams are to be completed within the announced timeframe.
Stopping Water Losses in Existing Pipelines
Alongside building new dams, officials recognised the need to make better use of existing water supplies. The meeting directed the CDA to take urgent steps to stop leakages in the current distribution network and to replace rusted, outdated pipelines that waste large volumes of treated water before it reaches consumers.
CDA has been asked to prepare and implement a plan for repairing and replacing damaged sections of the network, prioritising areas with the highest loss rates. By cutting non-revenue water and improving pressure management, authorities hope to deliver more water to households even before the new dams come online.
If completed as planned, the Dotara and Shahdara dams could transform the long-term water security outlook for the twin cities. However, progress will depend on timely feasibility work, transparent procurement, and close coordination between federal, provincial and local institutions. Residents facing water shortages will be watching closely to see how quickly these commitments translate into visible construction on the ground.
