Rawalpindi: The Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) has asked the Punjab government to release PKR 110 million for the completion of the water supply schemes in the cantonment areas, news sources reported on March 6.
Read: RCB to regularise illegal water connections under new amnesty scheme
The RCB has requested the government to release the remaining funds out of PKR 230 million for the completion of the water supply line and filtration plants in densely populated areas before the start of the summer season. In a statement, the RCB revealed that it has already completed two underground water tanks on Misrial Road and Lane No. 5 on Peshawar Road, along with laying a supply network.
Furthermore, two filtration plants have also been constructed in the area. However, the authority is currently awaiting the release of the remaining funds to improve the water supply. According to RCB sources, the completion of the schemes will enable RCB to obtain nine million gallons of water daily (MGD) from the Khanpur dam, which is crucial to meeting the daily water requirements of the residents.
Read: RCB to establish committee to address property tax, encroachment issues
It is important to note that Pakistan is among the most water-stressed countries, with Rawalpindi and Islamabad facing severe water shortages due to unabated water use and a lowering ground water table. To replenish the subsurface water table, the government has finalized multiple small dam projects in the region.