Islamabad, May 18, 2026: Director General Water of the Capital Development Authority, Sardar Khan Zimri, said on Monday that the authority is implementing comprehensive short-term and long-term strategies to tackle Islamabad’s growing water crisis and ensure sustainable water supply for the capital.
He made these remarks during an interactive session held at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry with members of the business community representing different sectors of trade and industry.
Zimri informed participants that Islamabad currently requires around 120 million gallons of water daily, while the available supply stands at nearly 80 million gallons.
To address the shortfall, he said CDA has launched several mega projects, including the Shahdra Dam, the Dhotara Dam upstream of Khanpur Dam, and a major initiative to bring 100 million gallons of water from Tarbela Dam to Islamabad.
He termed the Tarbela water supply project a long-term solution to the capital’s future water needs and said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a task force under the interior minister to oversee water and sewerage-related mega projects.
According to the DG Water, Shahdra Dam is expected to be completed within one-and-a-half to two years, while visible progress on other projects is anticipated over the next three to four years.
Zimri said CDA is also focusing on improving operational efficiency by reducing water losses caused by leakages and outdated infrastructure. He noted that nearly 25 to 30 percent of water is currently wasted due to leakages, adding that the authority aims to reduce losses to 15 to 20 percent through rehabilitation of damaged pipelines and modernization of the network system.
He further said small waterworks, including Shahdara, Saidpur and Bari Imam facilities, are being upgraded, while practical steps are being taken to promote groundwater conservation through rainwater harvesting initiatives.
The DG Water said CDA plans to expand rainwater harvesting at the household level and launch awareness campaigns to encourage water conservation among citizens. As a short-term measure, he added, the authority is also planning to outsource tube wells to improve operational efficiency.
Highlighting additional measures, Zimri said CDA is enhancing tanker services in water-deficient sectors despite financial and staffing constraints.
He informed participants that CDA has signed agreements with the World Bank for long-term reforms in Islamabad’s water management system aimed at improving efficiency, maintenance, and sustainable resource utilization.
He also highlighted cooperation with international partners, including a French development agency, for the rehabilitation of the Simly Water Treatment Plant, which is expected to be completed within two years.
The DG Water acknowledged the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency in preparing a comprehensive master plan for Islamabad’s water infrastructure and supply requirements for the next 50 years.
Responding to concerns regarding contamination caused by mixing sewage and drinking water lines, Zimri said CDA immediately addresses complaints by disconnecting affected lines and providing free tanker services until the issues are resolved. He attributed the contamination problems to aging infrastructure where sewerage and water supply lines run parallel.
Earlier, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood appreciated the efforts and accessibility of Sardar Khan Zimri in addressing concerns of residents and the business community. He stressed the need for timely completion of ongoing water projects to meet Islamabad’s growing requirements.
The session was also attended by ICCI Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub, Vice President Irfan Chaudhry, former ICCI presidents and representatives of various industry and market associations who shared recommendations on improving water management and civic services in the capital.
