Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has unveiled a comprehensive plan to improve Islamabad’s water supply system, focusing on groundwater recharge, rainwater storage, infrastructure upgrades and stricter regulatory enforcement.
The plan was reviewed during a meeting at CDA Headquarters chaired by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa, where officials assessed ongoing initiatives and outlined timelines for key projects.
As part of the strategy, the authority will construct around 100 rainwater recharge wells across the city to help replenish groundwater levels and reduce rainwater wastage. In addition, approximately 20 water storage tanks will be developed in different sectors to enhance rainwater storage capacity.
Officials informed the meeting that rehabilitation and upgradation work on waterworks, transmission pipelines, treatment plants and pumping systems is already in progress. Efforts are also underway to modernise the monitoring of water supply through the installation of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system and flow meters.
Rainwater harvesting emerged as a key component of the plan. CDA officials noted that rooftop rainwater harvesting is already mandatory under existing building bylaws, and the chairman directed authorities to ensure strict compliance across the capital.
The meeting also reviewed measures to improve water tanker services and complaint redressal. A dashboard-based monitoring system has been introduced to streamline tanker operations and respond more effectively to public complaints.
On the supply side, progress on dam projects was discussed. The feasibility study for Shahdra Dam has been completed, with the design phase nearing finalisation, while the feasibility study for Dotara Dam is expected to conclude by May 2026.
In parallel, the CDA is moving ahead with plans to establish three sewage treatment plants along Korang Nullah. The project will be executed on an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) basis, with the process of hiring a design consultant currently in progress.
Environmental initiatives were also highlighted, including the approval of PC-I for 11 wetlands in Islamabad. Site selection is ongoing, while work on two wetlands has already begun in collaboration with the relevant development partners.
Randhawa directed all departments to set clear timelines and ensure timely completion of water-related projects. He also instructed officials to improve the efficiency of water billing and ensure monthly delivery of bills to consumers without delays.
The CDA chairman said an autonomous Islamabad Water Agency has been established to address long-term water challenges and modernise the capital’s water management system. He added that the ongoing measures are aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and service delivery in Islamabad’s water supply network.
Samra Zulfiqar, a real estate analyst at Zameen.com, is passionate about finding projects that offer buyers the best returns. Her keen insights spotlight the market’s most promising opportunities.
