CDA Reviews Shahdara and Dotara Dams Projects to Resolve Water Shortage in Twin Cities

Date: Jan 22, 2026

ISLAMABAD: January 21, 2026: A meeting was held at the CDA headquarters on Wednesday, presided over by Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, regarding the permanent solution of water issues in the twin cities. The meeting was attended by CDA Board Member for Planning and Design Dr. Khalid Hafiz, Member Finance Tahir Naeem, representatives from WAPDA, Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Rawalpindi Cantonment Board, Punjab Small Dams, and senior officers from Islamabad Water CDA. The meeting discussed the construction of the Shahdara and Dotara Dams for a permanent solution to the water issues in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that the construction of both dams is of utmost importance for permanently resolving the water shortage problem in the twin cities. He emphasized that both dam projects should be completed on a priority basis. During the briefing to the meeting, it was informed that the feasibility study for the Shahdara Dam project has been completed by WAPDA. The meeting was told that according to the feasibility study, the site for the Shahdara Dam is highly suitable for construction of the dam. The consultants from NESPAK are initiating work on the detailed design of the Shahdara Dam project. The meeting decided that teams from WAPDA and NESPAK consultants will soon jointly visit the Shahdara Dam site. It was informed that the visit will review the geotechnical investigation and hydrological studies of the project. During the briefing on the Dotara Dam project, it was informed that WAPDA is working on the feasibility study. Chairman CDA directed that the feasibility study for the Dotara Dam be completed soon. Chairman CDA said that timely implementation according to the timelines must be ensured for the completion of both projects. He said that the construction process for both dams should be finalized quickly by ensuring effective coordination among all relevant departments. He further said that ensuring uninterrupted water supply in the Federal Capital Islamabad is among their top priorities.