ISLAMABAD – The district administration on Sunday opened the spillways of Rawal Dam after continuous rains raised the reservoir’s water level to 1,748 feet. According to the spokesman of ICT administration, this was only four feet below the dam’s maximum storage capacity of 1,752 feet, prompting the need to release water to prevent overflow risks.
Officials confirmed that after discharging water for around six and a half hours, the water level in the dam dropped to 1,746 feet. The spillways were then closed as the situation stabilized. The decision to open the spillways was taken in coordination with various departments, including the district administration, Rescue 1122, and the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA). These teams were deployed at key locations, including bridges, streams, and vulnerable points downstream, to manage the flow of released water and ensure public safety.
Assistant Commissioner of Nilore monitored the entire water release process, supervising operations at the dam and overseeing the safety measures on the ground. Magistrates, Rescue 1122 teams, ambulances, and union council staff remained stationed on different bridges and near the banks of streams throughout the water discharge period. The administration also remained in contact with the Pakistan Meteorological Department to track rainfall patterns and assess further risks. According to officials, the dam’s spillways are only opened when the reservoir nears its storage limit to manage water pressure and avoid possible damage to the dam structure.
Authorities assured that despite the heavy rains, no major flooding or emergency was reported downstream due to timely coordination and monitoring. However, residents living near water channels were advised to stay alert for any updates from the district administration in case of further rain. The Rawal Dam not only supplies water to Islamabad and Rawalpindi but also plays a critical role in managing seasonal rains. The management of the dam, along with weather monitoring, is part of the broader effort to mitigate risks of urban flooding in the twin cities during the monsoon season.
The district administration said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and take preventive measures in line with future weather forecasts. The public has been asked to cooperate with authorities and follow safety instructions to avoid any untoward incident. Earlier in the day, the Meteorological Department had forecast more rain in the region, raising concerns over the rising water levels in dams and rivers. The administration, however, reassured that all precautionary steps are in place to tackle the impact of continued rainfall.
The spillway of Rawal Dam will reopen on Monday, tomorrow at 6:00 AM for around five hours to boost reservoir capacity ahead of forecast rainfall in the upper catchment area, NDMA spokesman said.
The NDMA spokesman urged the public to steer clear of all waterfront zones, including riverbanks and water channels, due to heightened safety risks. Travel in low-lying areas should be limited to essential needs during the operation window. Fishing and boating have been strictly prohibited throughout the spillway release period. He advised the citizens to remain in contact with local administration for real-time updates.
Emphasizing emergency preparedness, NDMA instructed residents to follow official advisories without delay and urged relocation of valuables and livestock to safer locations to mitigate potential flood damage.