Rawal Dam Water Level Surpasses 1,751 Feet, Spillways Opened

Rawal Dam’s water level surged to 1,751.90 feet on 1 September 2026, forcing the Islamabad district administration to open the dam’s spillways at 2pm and placing Rescue 1122 and police on high alert.

FAKTA

• The water level reached 1,751.90 feet — just shy of the dam’s maximum capacity of 1,752 feet.
• The Islamabad district administration opened the spillways at 2pm on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, after heavy monsoon rainfall.
• The controlled release flows through Korang Nullah into the Sawan River.
• Rescue 1122, Islamabad Police and other departments were placed on high alert.
• Residents were advised to stay away from streams, nullahs, waterways and low-lying areas.

Rawal Dam Nears Maximum Capacity

Heavy and continuous rainfall in the catchment area pushed the reservoir close to its operating limits. Officials said the controlled release was necessary to manage the increasing inflow and keep the reservoir at a safe level.

An aerial view of Rawal Dam as its spillways discharge water following heavy monsoon rain.

Safety Measures in Place

The district administration directed all concerned agencies to maintain close coordination and take precautionary measures during the water-release operation. Emergency and civic agencies closely monitored water levels and the impact of the increased discharge throughout the operation.

Residents were urged to avoid unnecessary travel to areas that could be affected by the release and to rely on official updates for the latest information.

Downstream waterways swelled as the Rawal Dam spillway release flowed through.

Monsoon Pressure Continues

The episode highlights the intense monsoon pressure on Islamabad’s water infrastructure this season. Authorities said monitoring would continue as rainfall forecasts evolve, with further releases possible if reservoir levels climb again.

For more climate coverage, visit Watan News.

Sources: The Pakistan; Asia Today.