Plan for water sports at Simly Dam raises environmental concerns

• CDA mulls tourism development at key water source
• Critics cite past controversies and ecological risks

ISLAMABAD: City managers are planning to develop water sports and recreational facilities near Simly Dam, a move that may pose environmental challenges for residents.

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.

“There are immense opportunities for recreational activities in the area adjacent to Simly Dam. Water sports and other facilities would drive local development,” he said, adding that the initiative would create jobs for local residents and provide citizens access to “world-class recreational facilities”.

The press release noted that the reservoir is already used informally for boating and picnics but lacks formal infrastructure, safety measures or CDA-managed facilities.

It is relevant to note that Lashari served as CDA chairman from 2003 to 2008. During his tenure, the city witnessed significant development and beautification works, along with the launch of several controversial projects.

Some of the major works during his tenure included the construction of 7th and 9th avenues, three underpasses on 7th Avenue, including one at China Chowk, widening of the Expressway, the Zero Point Interchange, reconstruction and widening of several roads, development of dozens of parks and playgrounds, sit-out areas in commercial centres, installation of signage, construction of public toilets and passenger shelters at bus bays.

However, the CDA also launched several controversial projects during his tenure. Many of them faced inquiries by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and some still remain abandoned, raising questions about the efficiency of the civic agency.

In 2005, the CDA leased out a 13.5-acre plot (One Constitution Avenue) for the construction of a five-star hotel for Rs4.8 billion but handed over possession after receiving only Rs800 million. The issue has resurfaced recently as the CDA seeks to take over the twin towers due to default and non-delivery, as the developer constructed around 250 residential apartments instead of a hotel.

Similarly, during Lashari’s tenure, the CDA set up restaurants in the Margalla Hills and expanded roads with the installation of lights, attracting heavy traffic to the area, which disturbed the environment and ecosystem. The Supreme Court later ordered an end to commercial activities on Pir Sohawa Road.

During the same period, the city also lost one of its historical landmarks, a single-storey inward market designed by a British architect. It was demolished in 2007 after the CDA controversially amended bylaws to allow a multi-storey plaza, though residents and courts later intervened, citing infrastructure constraints in the area.

Published in Dawn, May 7th, 2026