Rawal Dam temple, the center of religious harmony
Rawal Dam Colony is the new name for a small hamlet of about 100 households of mixed Hindu, Muslim and Sikh families that lived here before 1947. This was mostly a farming village with Muslims doing the actual labor, Hindus owning the temple & farms and Sikhsâ enjoying their special privilege as âfriendlyâ indigenous people to the crown. This village overlooked the fertile catchment areas around Korang River, after the river coming from Muree hills slowed down here.
Three streams from Margalla Hills fed this plain beside Korang. Rawal colony sits on top of a rocky outcrop that was the perfect size for a mixed community, trying to feel safe from the sea of Muslimsâ all around. Fortunately, it was also the perfect spot for an irrigation dam and a pond, which is exactly what Pakistan built after 1960.
The best thing about the place is that the Irrigation department has restricted access to the site and you have to grease-palm to get in. It is more green, airy and beautiful, as a result. The view of Rawal Lake, Margalla hills, and Rawalpindi city above treetop level in spring are breathtaking. CDA has a gorgeous guesthouse on top of another hill and itâs THE place to hang out. Watching the Spillways open and water gushing out during monsoon is quite an experience.
The place also has a Canoeing and Yacht club, which is also dysfunctional. Any other country would be making billions from this place from religious tourism. Even I know a certain Mr. DhÄr dying to visit his childhood home.
On the Northern Bank of Rawal Dam is the Lake view park. Their Aviary (bird) pen, boat rides, All Terrain (ATV) track, paintball, and Golf range are fun to go to. The best thing about the place is their Gol Gappay, ice cream cone, and French fries. A lot of female university students visit the place, so it has a lot of scoping potential as well. Lake View Park is fast becoming the center for music and dance parties as well.Adjacent to Lake View Park is a lovely marsh where flora and fauna live, untrammeled by urban noise and pollution— this is a must-visit place for a boat ride amongst ducks, birds, and gulls and even a horse ride.
