Islamabad, June 17, 2025: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has granted initial consent to the Rawalpindi Revamp Strategy, launching efforts to enhance the city’s drinking water access, drainage infrastructure, and rainwater collection systems.
The announcement was made by Secretary Housing, Urban Development, and Public Health Engineering Noorul Amin Mengal during a session held at the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) office on Monday.
Mengal instructed the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) to draft PC-I proposals for the proposed projects, inspired by the Punjab government’s effective improvements implemented in Lahore. He stressed the importance of establishing underground reservoirs for rainwater and suggested using Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) green spaces as prototypes to preserve every drop.
He also directed that arrangements for the upcoming monsoon be finalized without delay. A feasibility report for sourcing water from Daducha Dam is expected to be wrapped up within two months to enhance the city’s supply network.
WASA Managing Director Saleem Ashraf laid out a detailed rainy season strategy, involving swift clearance of drainage channels and the creation of five emergency monsoon centers equipped with heavy-duty machinery throughout Rawalpindi.
A central control room will function from WASA’s main headquarters. New initiatives aim to bring in 12 million gallons per day (MGD) from Chahan Dam, five MGD from Rawal Dam, eight MGD from Khanpur Dam, and 35 MGD from Daducha Dam once the project becomes viable. Additionally, 20 new tube wells are being installed to support demand.
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For waste management, Mengal disclosed the Leh Nullah upgrade plan, which includes the construction of dual-lane roads on each side and a wastewater treatment unit to recycle sewage for agricultural use. WASA has already surpassed its income target, collecting Rs 2.6 billion against the Rs 2.3 billion set, with an ambition to raise this figure in the forthcoming fiscal year.
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RDA Director General Kinza Murtaza delivered updates on the Rawalpindi Ring Road and Leh Nullah Expressway developments. Mengal, who previously served as RDA Director General in 2023, pressed for rapid progress and cautioned against carelessness.
He also suspended RDA and Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency (PHATA) from granting approvals for new residential schemes until the city’s master plan—currently in the final stages—is completed. He advocated for forming a unified civic authority to oversee private housing projects.
