Rawal Lake


The Rawal Lake of northwestern Punjab in Pakistan is an artificial reservoir that provides the water needs for the cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The facility is maintained by Punjab Irrigation Department. Almost 70% of the catchment area of the lake is located in Murree while 30% is located in Islamabad Capital Territory.The fishing contracts for the lake are awarded by the Islamabad [Capital Territory Administration]. Korang River along with some other small streams coming from Margalla Hills have been set to form this artificial lake which covers an area of. Korang River is the outlet stream of Rawal Dam. Rawal Lake is located within an isolated section of the Village Malpur, Bani Gala and Margalla Hills National Park. Rawal Lake is contaminated with sewage nowadays from 2024. The dam has played a critical role in meeting water needs of the population, irrigating farmlands, flood control, and serving as natural habitat for various species of birds, fish, and other aquatic life.

History

History of the dam can be traced back to early 20th century when British Government intended to construct a dam across the Korang River to meet the water demand of Rawalpindi which was considered as one of the largest cities in the region. Later on, in 1958 Government of Pakistan conducted a feasibility study for construction of dam and after due consultations project for construction of the Rawal Dam was awarded to an Italian firm namely Salini Impregilo. The dam was inaugurated by Ayub Khan in 1962 and it served as a major infrastructure progress.

Recreation

The area around the lake has been planted with flowering trees and laid out with gardens, picnic spots, and secluded paths. The terraced garden and the lake are used for picnics, fishing, and boating. The highest point in the garden offers a panoramic view of the lake, Margalla and Murree hills, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad.
Boating, sailing, water skating, and diving facilities are organized by private clubs.
To the west of the lake is the Islamabad Club. The Islamabad Club is a government-organized institution that provides various sporting facilities.

Fauna

Wildlife

The reservoir is of considerable importance for wintering waterfowl, especially Anas platyrhynchos.
Here the resident mammals include the Red fox, Indian pangolin, Indian crested porcupine, jungle cat, Persian jackal, Central Asian boar and yellow-throated marten, reptiles include Indian Cobra and Russell's Viper. The majority of Birds of Islamabad are found here.

Fishery

There are 15 fish species belonging to 11 genera that are present in Rawal Lake. The fish species in Rawal Lake and its tributaries include: Doula, Rahu
, Thaila, Mori, Carp fish and Talapia.

Features of Rawal Lake

  • Location: Islamabad Park Area
  • Longitude: 73° 7' E
  • Latitude: 33° 41' N
  • Catchments Area: 106.25 square miles

    Features of Rawal Lake dam

  • Type of dam: partly arched gravity dam
  • Crest level:
  • Crest length:
  • Maximum height:

    Saddle

  • Length
  • Height

    Spillway

  • Type: Ogee gated structure
  • Discharge Capacity: 82000 ft3/s

    Reservoir

  • Area:
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  • Live storage:
  • Dead storage:
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    Canals

  • Left bank canal : length
  • *Capacity: 40 ft3/s
  • ** Purpose: Irrigation
  • Right bank canal : length
  • *Capacity: 70 ft3/s
  • ** Purpose: Drinking water supply to Rawalpindi

    Drinking water supply

  • Rawalpindi:

    Command area

  • Agriculture: