The news of the Khanpur Dam water supply to Rawalpindi, Islamabad is circulating on the internet. If you are a resident of the twin cities and want to know the inside of this story, then read this blog. 

About Khanpur Dam

Khanpur Dam is located in Haripur District, only 40 kilometers from Islamabad. Built in 1983 the dam has since been used as a water reservoir for twin cities. Its area is mostly made up of rugged and hilly rocks. This 167 feet high dam has a length of 1,560 feet. This one of the major dams of Punjab can store 107,000 acre-feet of water, and the current water level is 91,500 acre-feet. 

Khanpur Dam & Simli Dam are the major water sources for drinking purposes and household use in Rawalpindi & Islamabad. The Water And Power Development Authority (WAPDA) manages the reservoir and ensures an uninterrupted water supply to Islamabad and Rawalpindi. 

Annual Khanpur Dam Di-Silting

Every year Khanpur Dam is di-silted to eliminate the contamination and provide safe water to the localities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. This year’s dam cleaning will begin from February 10 to February 19. However, it will affect the water supply to major areas including;

• Dhoke Hassu
• Pir Wadhai
• Fauji Colony
• Ratta Amral
• Khayaban-e-Sir Syed
• Dhoke Matkal
• Shamsabad
• Iqbal Town
• Muslim Town
• Sadiqabad
• Satellite Town
• D-12 Sector Islamabad
• G-9 Sector Islamabad
• G-10 Sector Islamabad
• G-11 Sector Islamabad
• F-10 Sector Islamabad
• F-11 Sector Islamabad

How is Khanpur Dam Di-silted?

Water di-silting is the removal of sediments, silt, mud, sand, clay, loose substances, and organic substances from the water body, river, canal, or dam. De-silting helps maintain the water flow and also keeps the dam clean. WASA and CDA will conduct the dredging activity at Khanpur Dam from 10th to 19th February 2025.

Guidelines for Residents of Islamabad & Rawalpindi

As the dam di-silting is set to begin, the authorities have informed citizens to use water carefully, as water supply in Rawalpindi & Islamabad can face a shortage of up to 5.5  million gallons for Islamabad and 13 million gallons for Rawalpindi.

• Store water to use in coming days
• Avoid washing floors and cars every day
• Avoid watering lawns every day

Pakistan has more than 150 small and big dams in different provinces. Tarbela Dam, Mangla Dam, Kala Bagh Dam, and Diamer-Bhasha Dam are some of the most famous dams In Pakistan due to many storage or political influences. Learn more about the 150 dams in Pakistan on this blog: 150 Dams in Pakistan World’s Largest Earth-Filled Tarbela!