Daducha dam to provide new water supply for Rawalpindi

WASA has started a Rs. 43 million feasibility study to supply 35 million gallons of water daily from Daducha Dam to Rawalpindi.

A feasibility study has been launched to secure Rawalpindi’s future water needs through Daducha Dam, with completion expected in two months. According to WASA Managing Director Saleem Ashraf, a consultant has been hired to prepare a PC-I for water supply arrangements and the installation of a filtration plant at the site.

Currently, Rawalpindi’s water needs are met through Rawal Dam, which provides about 23 MGD, Khanpur Dam with 6 MGD, and nearly 480 tube wells supplying 35 MGD. More than 60 percent of the city’s supply comes from groundwater, which is no longer sustainable due to limited recharge. Officials stressed that Rawal Dam has already exceeded 56 years of its life, making an alternative source urgent.

Ashraf explained that Daducha Dam will not only ensure a continuous supply but also reduce contamination risks, recharge groundwater, and cut pumping costs. This will be vital in meeting the demand of Rawalpindi’s growing population. The project is also expected to particularly benefit low-income groups who face the most challenges during water shortages.

The study will include surveys, technical designs, land acquisition plans, and environmental and social assessments. Officials believe that once completed, the project will provide long-term relief to the city by reducing dependency on aging reservoirs and over-exploited groundwater.

Authorities emphasized that the project is being developed with a future-oriented approach, ensuring that Rawalpindi does not face severe shortages in the coming years. By integrating modern planning and treatment facilities, the scheme aims to provide safe, clean, and affordable water for all residents, while also supporting groundwater conservation for sustainable use.