By Islamabad and Rawalpindi are now facing a severe water crisis, with water levels in the crucial local dam, which serves as the primary water source for both cities, dropping to dangerously low levels. The dam currently holds enough water to last only 45 days, triggering an emergency response from local authorities. The situation has become dire due to a combination of factors: reduced rainfall in the region, a significant decrease in the inflow of water to the dam, and the rapid growth in population that has increased demand for water. The shortage is particularly concerning for Islamabad, the capital city, which has seen rapid urbanization and a high demand for water for both residential and commercial use.
Water supply from the dam, which usually meets the needs of millions of residents, has now become insufficient to keep up with consumption, especially during the summer months when demand peaks. With the prospect of running out of water within weeks, local authorities are considering drastic measures, including water rationing, restricting supply to certain areas, and even implementing emergency water tankers. If the situation worsens, the impact could be felt across all sectors—residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural.
In addition to rationing, experts are calling for immediate steps to address the root causes of the crisis. This includes the construction of additional water reservoirs, the implementation of rainwater harvesting systems, and better management of existing water resources. There is also a strong emphasis on public awareness campaigns to promote water conservation. The current crisis underscores the urgent need for long-term solutions to ensure that the cities do not face similar water shortages in the future.
