ISLAMABAD: The spillways of Rawal Dam were opened on Sunday after continuous rainfall raised the reservoir’s water level to 1,748 feet, just four feet below its maximum storage capacity of 1,752 feet.
The decision to release water was made to mitigate the risk of overflow and was coordinated with several departments, including the district administration, Rescue 1122, and the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA).
The operation lasted approximately six and a half hours, during which the water level dropped to 1,746 feet, and the spillways were subsequently closed as the situation stabilized.
Assistant Commissioner of Nilore, who supervised the operation, ensured that safety measures were in place, with Rescue 1122 teams, magistrates, ambulances, and union council staff deployed at various vulnerable points, such as bridges and streams, to manage the released water flow.
The authorities maintained close contact with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) to monitor the rainfall patterns and assess potential risks.
While the spillways were opened due to the dam nearing its storage limit, officials assured that no major flooding or emergency was reported downstream due to the timely management of water release. Residents living near water channels were urged to stay alert for updates from the district administration in case of further rainfall.
Rawal Dam plays a crucial role in supplying water to Islamabad and Rawalpindi, while also managing seasonal rains and mitigating risks of urban flooding in the twin cities during the monsoon season. The district administration confirmed it would continue monitoring the situation closely and take preventive measures based on future weather forecasts.
