he Rawal Dam spillways were closed on Sunday after water levels stabilised following a controlled release prompted by days of heavy rainfall. The Rawal Dam spillways had been opened earlier in the day as a precautionary measure when the water level reached 1,748 feet, nearing the dam’s maximum storage capacity of 1,752 feet.
Authorities said the decision to open the Rawal Dam spillways was taken to prevent potential overflow, which could have posed a threat to nearby communities. The operation was carried out in coordination with multiple departments, including the district administration, Rescue 1122, and the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), to ensure public safety and effective water flow management.
The spillways remained open for nearly six and a half hours, allowing enough water to be discharged to bring the level down to 1,746 feet. Once the Rawal Dam spillways achieved the desired reduction, they were promptly shut as the situation was deemed stable. Officials confirmed that no significant flooding or damage was reported downstream due to the early intervention.
The Assistant Commissioner of Nilore supervised the entire operation on the ground, ensuring that all necessary safety protocols were implemented. Teams from Rescue 1122, along with magistrates, ambulances, and union council personnel, were deployed at strategic points such as bridges and low-lying water channels to manage the impact of the released water from the Rawal Dam spillways.
The authorities remained in constant communication with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) to assess ongoing rainfall patterns and mitigate any future risks. They also urged residents living near streams and drainage routes to stay alert and follow advisories issued by the district administration, especially if additional rainfall persists in the coming days.
The Rawal Dam spillways play a critical role in regulating the flow of seasonal rains and protecting urban centres like Islamabad and Rawalpindi from sudden flooding. As the primary reservoir for water supply in the twin cities, Rawal Dam must maintain a delicate balance between storage and safety. Officials stressed that the proactive management of the Rawal Dam spillways helped avoid any emergencies and demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated disaster response planning.
Authorities stated that surveillance would continue over the coming days, with measures ready to be implemented if weather forecasts indicate further rain. The Rawal Dam spillways, they reiterated, would be operated again if necessary to preserve both the structural integrity of the dam and the safety of residents downstream.
