RAWALPINDI: The water level in Khanpur Dam has dropped dangerously low, just eight feet above the dead level, raising serious concerns about a possible water crisis for residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
According to the newspaper report, the water supply for irrigation to both Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab was already stopped about a month ago due to the declining water level.
According to the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), the dam’s current water level is 1,918 feet—well below the conservation level of 1,980 feet and only eight feet above the dead level of 1,910 feet. The inflow has reduced to just 29 cusecs, while the outflow is being maintained at 106 cusecs.
Due to the falling water level, water sports activities at the dam have almost stopped. The dam, usually a popular tourist destination in summer, is now facing low visitor interest. WAPDA officials said Rawalpindi and Islamabad are currently receiving only 50 cusecs of water, which may also be suspended if the situation worsens.
Officials hope that the upcoming monsoon rains later this month will help improve the situation. Khanpur Dam usually reaches good levels during and after the monsoon season.
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However, changes in weather, long dry spells, and poor management of glacial water have caused inconsistent water inflows. In June last year, the dam’s water level was 1,935 feet, and the inflow was more than double compared to the current rate.
Experts blame climate change, poor catchment management, and growing urban water demand for the current crisis. An irrigation department official said this is not just a seasonal issue, but a long-term structural problem that requires proper planning.
Khanpur Dam is the main source of drinking water for both Rawalpindi and Islamabad and also provides water for irrigation in parts of Punjab and Haripur. With water storage at its lowest in mid-June, residents may soon face low water pressure, supply disruptions, and increased reliance on water tankers.
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“Water shortages have already started in low-lying areas where supply hours have been reduced,” said a Capital Development Authority (CDA) official. “If the situation doesn’t improve in the next two weeks, we may have to start emergency water-saving measures.”
Authorities have urged the public to save water and avoid wastage. People are being advised to avoid car washing, watering lawns, and unnecessary pipeline flushing. Government departments are also under pressure to review water release policies and start awareness campaigns to promote water conservation.
