Rawal Lake 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 Margalla Hills National Park.
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).[8]
Features of Rawal Lake
Location: Islamabad Park Area
Longitude: 73° 7' E
Latitude: 33° 41' N
Catchments Area: 106.25 square miles (275 km²)
Features of Rawal Lake dam
Type of dam: partly arched gravity dam (stone masonry)
Crest level: 1,742 ft (531 m)
Crest length: 700 ft (210 m)
Maximum height: 133.5 ft (40.7 m)
Saddle
Length 6,991 ft (2,131 m)
Height 24 ft (7.3 m)
Spillway
Type: Ogee gated structure
Discharge Capacity: 82000 ft³/s (2,300 m³/s)
Reservoir
Area: 3 square miles (7.8 km2)
Maximum depth: 102 feet (31 m)
Live storage: 43,000 acre feet (53,000,000 m3)
Dead storage: 4,500 acre feet (5,600,000 m3)
Gross capacity: 47,500 acre feet (58,600,000 m3)
Canals
Left bank canal: length 5 miles (8.0 km)
Capacity: 40 ft³/s (1.1 m³/s)
Right bank canal: length 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
Capacity: 70 ft³/s (2.0 m³/s)
Drinking water supply
Rawalpindi: Template:Convert/e6USgal/d
Islamabad: Template:Convert/e6USgal/d
Command area
Agriculture: 500 acres (2.0 km2)
References
http://rawal-lake.tripod.com/salient_features.htm
Small Dams Organization of Pakistan
Rawal Dam
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