Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) have partnered up to launch an ambitious new dam project upstream of Khanpur Dam — Dotara Dam, according to news published in the leading newspaper on October 16.
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As per the details, this forthcoming project boasts substantial dimensions, with a towering height of 122 meters and a length spanning 350 meters. The initiation of construction for the Dotara Dam hinges upon the successful completion of a pre-feasibility study, the costs of which, estimated at around PKR 20 million, will be funded by the CDA.
A recent meeting between representatives of WAPDA and CDA witnessed the comprehensive presentation of the proposed Dotara Dam project. Once completed, the dam is projected to hold a considerable storage capacity of 0.1 million acre-feet (MAF) of water, while providing Islamabad with a daily supply of 72 million gallons (MGD) of potable water. Additionally, the dam will have the capability to generate 10 megawatts (MW) of hydropower.
This landmark project carries significant implications for alleviating the long-standing water shortages in Islamabad. The CDA has emphasized that utilizing gravity for water supply would be a groundbreaking development in the city’s history.
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In response to the proposal, WAPDA expressed its eagerness to proceed with the Dotara Dam project, provided that the CDA commits to finance the necessary project studies. This commitment is pivotal in facilitating the preparation of an updated PC-II pro forma, which can then be submitted to the Ministry of Water Resources for further evaluation.