Khanpur Dam Water Levels Drop Dangerously Low Amid Prolonged Dry Spell
TAXILA – A persistent dry spell has caused a significant drop in water levels at Khanpur Dam, raising serious concerns about the continuity of water supply to Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
According to official data released on Friday, the dam’s water level has plunged to 1,921 feet, just 11 feet above the dead level of 1,910 feet. This drastic reduction is attributed to minimal rainfall in the dam’s catchment areas, including Margalla Hills and Galiyat.
Water Supply at Risk for Twin Cities
Officials warn that if dry conditions persist, the dam could reach dead level within 25 days. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB)—major municipal beneficiaries—receive 96.18 cusecs of water per day, out of the dam’s 127 cusecs daily outflow, while the inflow remains extremely low at only 16 cusecs.
“This imbalance in inflow and outflow is leading to a daily decrease of 0.10 feet in the dam’s water level,” an official source stated.
Visible Impact and Suspended Irrigation
The dry conditions have revealed previously submerged rocks and mounds in various parts of the reservoir, including near the spillways. The situation has already forced dam authorities to suspend irrigation supply to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab over a month ago to conserve water for municipal use.
Depleting Groundwater and Tourism Impact
The water table in Taxila and Wah has also fallen sharply, worsening the region’s water scarcity. Additionally, the number of tourists visiting Khanpur Dam has declined significantly, and boatmen have abandoned their boats as water levels have dropped below operable limits.
Urgent Need for Rainfall
Officials say that if heavy rainfall does not occur within the next 10 to 15 days, the situation could reach critical levels, severely affecting domestic, industrial, and agricultural water supplies for the twin cities and surrounding regions.
About Khanpur Dam
Located near Khanpur village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, approximately 40km from Islamabad and 15km from Haripur, Khanpur Dam plays a vital role in providing water for domestic consumption, industry, and agriculture in the Potohar Plateau region.
