SIMLY DAM

The Simly Dam is about 80 meters high earthen embankment dam on the Soan River, 30 kilometers east of Islamabad, Pakistan.  It was developed by the Capital Development Authority, Planning for the dam began in 1962 and it was not completed when expected in 1972 due to project delays. It was completed in 1983.

Simly Dam lies between Islamabad and Kotli Sattian. The water of this dam is stored and supplied to the Federal capital for drinking purposes. The water stored in this dam is fed by melting snow and the natural springs of Murree and Kotli Sattian hills. Angling and boating are also allowed on the lake, but you need to have permit for fishing from Capital Development Authority, Islamabad. 

The dam is tucked away in a nice sleepy area, where there are hardly any passer byes leave aside tourists. It is such a shame that this place could be developed into such a beautiful little family picnic abode but probably since it is outside the jurisdiction Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) limits, therefore CDA does not seem to be interested in developing it.

There is only one guest house in Simly Dam, operated by CDA, Islamabad. Before you plan to stay here, you need to have permission to stay and visit this beautiful guest house from CDA head office located in Islamabad.

About 100 meters before the Simly Dam, a road leads to Patriata via Karor and Bunn.

The Kotli Sattian region is quite favourable for the construction of dams for small purposes. However, the government does not initiate any plan in this region. Lakes can be easily constructed with nominal cost and labour. The natural fountains and streams connected with these fountains have ample water, which is always pure and fresh. The gift of nature can be stored in small dams and lakes and thereafter the pure water be supplied to the Islamabad. Moreover, such constructive stops on the part of the government will enrich the beauty of the region and consequently prove the best tourist spots, adjacent to Islamabad and easily approaching to all.

Photo by : Khizer Bajwa

KARORE VALLEY, KOTLI SATTIAN, RAWALPINDI

On the southwest side of the Kotli Sattian lies the well known village KAROR which is quite adjacent to the Islamabad. It is the settlement of the great warriors of the first and Second World Wars.

The village is situated about 22 km from Kotli Sattian and is easily approachable by metal roads from all sides. The village area is 3,001 acres. The soil is suitable for cultivating local crops but the inhabitants prefer to get employment in cities and towns. Forty percent of the population of the village has temporarily shifted to the big cities to avail themselves to the modern facilities and to have their children educated in the better schools.

The average household size in 5.8% and rate of literacy is 78.5%
Karor is a Patwar Circle and headquarters of the union council. There are two high schools, one for boys and one for girls. There is also a middle school for boys and two primary schools for both sexes in every settlement.

 Karor also has a police post that was established in the beginning of the British rule. A forest range with a rest house also exists. Moreover, a B.H.U., agricultural extension service, sub post office. A small bazar and a bank are also available as an amenity.

How to get there from Islamabad

Take Lehtrar road from Islamabad and turn left from Chirah chowk towards Simli Dam and Patriata. In about fifteen minutes, you would bypass Simli Dam and see the spill way on your left, drive another 10-15 minutes through hills and it will lead you to Karore.

                                       

 

                                                    Photo by Rocking Jungly

Photo by Khizer Bajwa

                                   Reference : "A handbook of Kotli Sattian"

LT. COLONEL (R) ZAFAR ABBASI

It was 2nd death anniversary of Lt. Colonel (R) Zafar Abbasi. He passed away on 11th November, 2015.

Lt Col Zafar Abbasi Ghazi was immortalized on screen by the iconic character of Captain Kashif in drama serial Alpha Bravo Charlie, story of Captain Kashif was based on real story of Lt. Colonel  Zafar Abbasi.

Zafar Abbas Ghazi had been stationed on the highest battlefront in the world, Siachen and had become a victim of frostbite in 1987. Owing to that, he lost both his hands and feet. Even after losing both hands and feet, he did not give up and continued to serve in the army, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

He was from Karor, Kotli Sattian