Rawal lake

Rawal lake
Location Margalla Hills National Park
Type reservoir
Catchment area 106.25 sq mi (275.2 km2)
Basin countries Pakistan
Surface area 8.8 km
Max. depth 102 ft (31 m)

Rawal Lake (Urdu: جھیل راول) in Pakistan is an artificial reservoir that provides the water needs for the cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. 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 8.8 km². 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.[1][2][3][4][5][6]

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, which offers different sporting facilities.

Wildlife

The reservoir is of considerable importance for wintering waterfowl, especially Anas platyrhynchos.

Resident mammals include the common Fox, Pangolin, Porcupine, Jungle cat, Jackal, Wild boar and yellow-throated marten.

Reptiles include Indian Cobra and Russell's Viper.

It is a good place for birds watching, as the majority of Birds of Islamabad are found here.

Fishery

There are 15 fish species belonging to 11 genera that present in Rawal Lake. The fish species in Rawal lake and its tributaries include: Doula (Channa channa), Rahu (Labeorohita), Thaila (Catla catla), Mori(Cirrhinus mrigala), Carp fish (Cyprinus carpio)and Talapia(Tilapia mossambica).[7]

Features of Rawal Lake

Features of Rawal Lake dam

View of Rawal Dam from Old picnic point.
The Rawal Dam: lake view
Sun rises at Rawal Dam lake view park

Saddle

Spillway

Reservoir

Canals

Drinking water supply

Command area

See also

References

Notes

  1. "Microsoft Word - Report on Rawal Lake Catchment Management.doc" (PDF). Retrieved 2012-01-26.
  2. "Rawal Dam Park, Islamabad". Paktive.com. Retrieved 2012-01-26.
  3. "Water level increases in Rawal Dam". Thenews.com.pk. Retrieved 2012-01-26.
  4. "Kidnapped boy’s body recovered from Rawal Dam". Pakistan Criminal Records. Retrieved 2012-01-26.
  5. "Claims over Rawal Dam land: Twin cities ready to reconcile | Provinces". Dawn.Com. 2011-09-21. Retrieved 2012-01-26.
  6. "Rawal Dam – more polluted than ever | Provinces.". Dawn.Com. 2011-12-01. Retrieved 2012-01-26.
  7. M.phil Thesis- Saadullah Ayaz- Ecological Zonation Margallah

Coordinates: 33°42′N 73°07′E / 33.700°N 73.117°E / 33.700; 73.117

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Monday, January 11, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.