Plan for water sports at Simly Dam raises environmental concerns

The dam, built in 1983, is located 30 kilometres east of Islamabad in the foothills of lush green mountains and is considered a main source of clean drinking water. The other dam in Islamabad, including Rawal Dam, which supplies water to Rawalpindi, is already heavily polluted, mainly due to uncontrolled contamination in its catchment area. Simly Dam, located in a less-visited area, remains a source of clean drinking water. However, the federal government and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) now plan to introduce recreational activities in the area. Recently, the CDA board approved a summary for hiring former chairman Kamran Lashari as a consultant (city curator) for the “preparation of a comprehensive citywide culture and tourism vision for Islamabad” at a salary of Rs2 million per month. Although the official notification has yet to be issued, Lashari was recently seen briefing Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at Simly Dam, and it is likely he will prepare a plan for the promotion of water sports and tourism near the reservoir. Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry on Wednesday issued a press release stating, “Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has directed authorities to prepare a workable plan for the expansion of Simly Dam, which currently supplies 40 per cent of Islamabad’s water, and to develop the surrounding area for tourism and water sports.” During a detailed visit to the dam, Naqvi was briefed on its capacity and informed that expansion would ensure an abundant water supply to the capital. He asked officials to present a comprehensive plan for the project soon. The interior minister also reviewed the area around the reservoir and sought a separate plan to promote recreational activities. “T