ISLAMABAD – The authorities concerned have paid cost of land measuring 667acre to construct Kasana Dam which would beconstructed during current financial year in order to meet water needs ofnew Islamabad Airport.

The cost of land for the dam, having capacity of 8.729 acres feet, has beenpaid to Land Acquisition Collector, Fateh Jang.

Official sources at Aviation Division Monday said construction of RainWater Harvesting Ramma Dam had been completed last year. This dam hascapacity of 4,893 acres Ft and has been designed to provide water 3.3Million Gallon Per Day (MGPD) whereas initial demand of water at theAirport would range between 0.5 to 1.0 (MGPD).

The sources said this dam was expected to be partially filled and startedsupplying water to new Islamabad International Airport during currentmonsoon season.

Moreover, the sources said options had been explored to utilize sub-soilwater and authorities had successfully completed 11 bore holes (tube wells)from which cumulative yield of approximately 0.266 (MGPD) water wasexpected.

Replying to a question regarding any proposal under consideration of thegovernment to acquire more land for the said Airport, the sources saidauthorities were in process of acquiring additional land as per LandAcquisition Act, 1894, through the Revenue Authorities of DistrictRawalpindi/Attock in order to meet future requirements and expansion of theAirport.

Initially, and measuring 2833 acres was earmarked for the purpose, however,final land requirement is under review due to issues of local populatedareas/villages and road network etc. – APP