Cracks in the Pipeline: Pindi’s Aging Infrastructure Fails to Quench City’s Thirst
APP
Rawalpindi: Water, the essence of life and a universally recognized right, is critical not only for human survival but also for national security and sustainability.
In Rawalpindi—Pakistan’s historic Garrison City—ensuring consistent water availability has become an increasingly pressing challenge as the population continues to expand and urban sprawl stretches limited resources.
The city’s water management landscape is at a crossroads. Agencies are striving to address shortages through infrastructure projects, policy enforcement, and public awareness campaigns. Yet, seasonal deficits, distribution losses, and increasing urban demand continue to outpace supply.
The Water Equation
According to Managing Director (MD) of the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Muhammad Saleem Ashraf, Rawalpindi requires approximately 51 million gallons daily (MGD) in winter and over 70 MGD in the peak summer months.
However, the city currently sources only 46.5 MGD in winter—30.5 MGD from 480 tubewells, 10 MGD from Rawal Dam, and 6 MGD from Khanpur Dam—leaving a shortfall of 7 MGD that swells to 19 MGD in summer.
The two cantonment areas—Rawalpindi and Chaklala—collectively receive an additional 12 MGD from Rawal Dam, but even this is insufficient to bridge the gap during peak demand.
Projects and Progress
To counter the persistent shortfall, the city has initiated a series of infrastructure projects, including the Developing Resilient Environment and Advancing Municipal Services (DREAMS-I) project, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The project includes the treatment and conveyance of 14.5 MGD water from Chahan Dam, along with modernization and replacement of outdated water pipelines.
Saleem Ashraf noted that rehabilitation work at Rawal Lake filtration plants aims to add 5 MGD, while new pumps at Khanpur Dam are expected to increase supply from 6 MGD to 8 MGD. A separate initiative promises a 24/7 water supply to three union councils of Khayaban-e-Sir Syed.
“The DREAMS project, originally planned for completion in three years, will now be completed within two years due to its public importance,” he affirmed.
Simultaneously, the Chahan Dam treatment plant is under development and will supply 10 MGD once operational. Meanwhile, feasibility studies for Dadhocha Dam, expected to yield 30.5 MGD, have been included in the Punjab Annual Development Plan to meet future needs.
Curbing Losses and Misuse
Water leakage and theft remain significant issues. WASA’s MD stressed the need for better regulation and infrastructure maintenance to minimize these losses.
The Punjab government has recently banned the establishment of new car wash stations and the non-essential use of underground water, with heavy fines imposed on violators under directives from the Lahore High Court and the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Cantonment Board’s Roll
Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) CEO Syed Ali Rizvi highlighted that the RCB supplies 1.5 MGD from 55 tubewells, 11.28 MGD from Khanpur Dam, and 0.03 MGD from Rawal Dam. The distribution network comprises eight overhead reservoirs, 34 underground tanks, and 52 filtration plants, ensuring safe drinking water across the cantonment.
To address storage limitations, MNA Malik Ibrar Ahmed shared that underground tanks with 1 MGD storage capacity are nearing completion, aimed at alleviating summer water shortages in densely populated localities.
“Tanks under construction at Bhata Chowk (200,000 gallons) and Gawalmandi (100,000 gallons) will offer lasting solutions for the community,” he said, adding that other ongoing projects in Naseerabad, Barf Khana Chowk, Ghazi Abad, Afshan Colony, Tench Bhatta, Tahli Mohri, and Chaklala Cantonment Wards 7–10 would store 50,000 gallons each.
Overall, Rs 85 million is being spent on laying new water supply and sewerage lines across Rawalpindi and Chaklala Cantonment areas to improve both water delivery and drainage.
Migration and Urban Pressure
Rawalpindi’s strategic location adjoining the Federal Capital makes it a magnet for internal migration, further increasing water demand. This continuous influx has strained both the physical infrastructure and management systems, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
Way Forward
Experts emphasize that civic participation, conservation efforts, and policy enforcement must go hand in hand. Rainwater harvesting, groundwater regulation, and dismantling the tanker mafia are pivotal for building long-term resilience.
Religious teachings also advocate water stewardship. Islam urges followers to avoid wastage. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said: “Do not waste water even if you are at a running stream.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
The future of Rawalpindi’s water security hinges on the successful execution of planned projects, strict enforcement of water regulations, and widespread public cooperation. Only a unified, proactive approach can secure water for the city’s growing population in the years to come.
