Govt Builds Modern Underground Water Tanks in Rawalpindi to Tackle Summer Shortages
Rawalpindi: The government has started the construction of modern underground water storage tanks in Rawalpindi and Chaklala cantonment areas especially to solve the water crisis. These tanks, capable of storing up to 1 million gallons per day (mgd. Moreover, the tanks are capable of providing a reliable and uninterrupted water supply, especially during the hot summer months when demand surges.
PML-N Divisional President and MNA Malik Ibrar Ahmed declared that the project is in the completion phase, is part of a long-term strategy to address chronic water shortages. With the final touches being added, the tanks are expected to be fully operational in the upcoming month. He highlighted that both federal and provincial governments had allocated special grants to boost water supply and sanitation infrastructure in the cantonment regions.
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Projects Nearing Completion Across Multiple Areas
The construction is in full swing at key locations. At Bhatta Chowk, a tank with a 200,000-gallon daily capacity is almost complete, while Gawalmandi will host another with a 100,000-gallon capacity. Additional smaller tanks, each capable of storing 50,000 gallons daily, are being constructed in Naseerabad, Barf Khana Chowk, Ghazi Abad, Afshan Colony, Tench Bhatta, Tahli Mohri, and several wards of Chaklala Cantonment.
Once completed, these facilities are expected to bring 100% water supply coverage to the targeted areas — a first for many residents who face severe shortages at the onset of every summer.
Investment and Broader Impact
As per Malik Ibrar, around Rs85 million is being invested not only in storage but also in upgrading the water supply network and sewerage system. Teams from Public Health Engineering and the Cantonment Board are working around the clock to meet the deadlines.
Meanwhile, WASA has confirmed that Rawalpindi’s water supply currently relies on Rawal Dam, Khanpur Dam, and tube wells, providing 51 mgd — still short of the 70 mgd demand.
To bridge this gap further, a Rs150 million rainwater harvesting project was launched last year with UN Habitat, involving water tanks in 30 public buildings and parks to conserve rainwater and prevent flooding.