Time to remove silt from Rawal lake
By S.M. Ismail

Rawal Lake was formed over 45 years back when the dam was built. Ever since, it has served to meet drinking water needs of the fast growing population of the twin cities. However, as in the case of all other similar reservoirs, silting of the lake has gradually reduced its holding capacity. In the case of Rawal lake the silting process has been much faster because of the nature of the hills around from which natural streams and rain water flow into the man-made lake. Resultantly, the lake can now store hundreds of thousands of acre feet less than its design capacity.
Rawal lake at presents looks pathetic as major part of its bed is dry. Motor vehicles are seen parked or moving around at points which used to be in the middle of the lake. This is however a boon for those who have always toyed with the idea of removing silt from its bed through dredging-an option which is quite expensive. However, digging can immediately start in the bed of the lake. The construction companies mplementing mega projects in and around Islamabad need earth to fill various sites where they are working. Digging of earth is much easier and lessexpensive than dredging.
The Capital Development Authority could issue directives to all constructors to use only the soil deposited in the Rawal lake for earth filling work. Digging of earth from hillocks should immediately cease to avoid deforestation and other ecological damage. The removal of silt from Rawal lake will increase its capacity. More water could be stored and simultaneously constructors would get their earth-filling requirements met from a convenient and less expensive source.
Expressways and wide roads are under construction in the Federal Capital. Earth filling work has already started. CDA has to ensure that earth is not removed from certain areas to maintain capital’s beauty and ecological balance. Rawal lake silt could serve the purpose.
Simly lake is another major water reservoir for the capital. The fast silting of the lake is reducing its capacity. Simly lake has also partly dried up due to near-drought conditions. Similar digging arrangements could be made for Simly lake. CDA planners should in public interest facilitate digging of earth and sit from these two major water reservoirs. One could even consider allowing similar operations in Khanpur Dam. Hundreds of thousands of acre feet of water critically needed forthe growing requirements of the twin cities could thus be available.