Rawal Lake is a beautiful recreational spot located in the middle of the Margalla Hills in Islamabad. Hundreds of people gather here every year especially to watch the sunset. Rawal Lake is an attractive place for migratory birds in winter. A dam has also been built on Rawal Lake from where water is supplied to Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
There are numerous recreational places in Pakistan that give a sense of refreshment and one is forced to forget all the fatigue and worries by being impressed by their beauty. One such recreational spot is Rawal Lake. It is a large artificial lake located in the Margalla Hills near Islamabad. Rawal Lake covers an area of 8.8 square kilometres. A beautiful park has been built along the lake. In which beautiful flowering plants and trees have been planted which present a very beautiful view. The garden is considered as the best place for sightseeing where thousands of people visit every day for sightseeing. Many people also enjoy fishing and boating here. A beautiful view of the Rawal Lake can be seen from the terraced part of the garden. Islamabad Club has been built in the west of the lake which provides various sports facilities. A dam has also been built on Rawal Lake from where water is supplied to Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Rawal lake water is also used for irrigation.
The height of this dam is 133.5 feet and the final water storage limit is 47 thousand 500 acre feet. Two short canals have also been taken out from the dam. This water body is a perfect place for migratory birds in winter. Apart from this, the local animals include fox, tiger, wild cat, geyder and ababil which are found in the surrounding areas. About five hundred acres of agricultural land is irrigated from Rawal Dam. Apart from this, 19.5 million gallons of clean drinking water is supplied to Rawalpindi and 2.5 million gallons to Islamabad per day from the lake.
The sunset view at Rawal Lake is very attractive and many people come here to see it. A restaurant has also been built by Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation. Recently, the capital authority has started construction work near the lake to build a resort with an open air hall, boating area and green lawns. With the completion of these development projects, this place will become more beautiful and enjoyable. The trees and forests around the Rawal Lake give a very peaceful and romantic feeling.
Absar Qadir is a writer, his articles are published in various journals and websites
Lakeview Park A very beautiful Birds Park has also been built in Islamabad which covers about 3.8 acres of land and is the world’s third largest walk-in bird sanctuary with more than 4,000 birds of about 280 species that are here for serous entertainment. Visitors are of special interest to children and adults.
There is also a pond inside the park, where birds swim. Islamabad The Bird Aviary was inaugurated in 2013. The project was initiated by CDA and has been developed over a period of five years. There are various species of pigeons, pheasants, peacocks, ducks, ostriches, blue-necked parrots, red loris, blue and yellow macaws, cameo peacocks, yellow ears, Victoria crowed pigeons, white swans, crown cranes, green Java peacocks and Ponies are found.
Large and high ventilated cages have been made for the birds to live here so that they can fly freely. And they do not feel any fear even while walking.
