Federal Minister Dr Musadik Malik has raised a stark question regarding the safety of Rawal Lake’s water, asking senior officials if they would be comfortable feeding the currently supplied water to their own children, amid a crisis over untreated sewage contaminating the reservoir.
The pointed remark was made during a high-level meeting chaired by the Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, convened to review the deteriorating water quality of the lake and devise measures to address the significant pollution concerns.
During a briefing, attendees were informed that the contamination primarily stems from untreated sewerage being discharged from nearby residential areas. This effluent flows into the three major water streams that feed Rawal Lake: the Korang, Lake View, and Jinnah streams.
To combat the pollution, planning is underway for the installation of three sewerage treatment plants (STPs) at key locations including Simli Road, Bari Imam, and Shadrah. These facilities are intended to address and eliminate the source of the contamination before it reaches the lake.
Dr. Musadik Malik stressed the necessity of evidence-based interventions and directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) to conduct comprehensive water quality testing. He instructed that samples be taken from multiple points along the water inflows and outflows of the lake to accurately identify the sources, specific points, and extent of the contamination.
While noting that his ministry lacks direct jurisdiction over water supply management, the minister affirmed that it would provide full facilitation and coordination support to ensure timely and effective action from the responsible departments. He emphasised that access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental right of every citizen.
The minister concluded by calling for strengthened coordination among federal and provincial departments to fast-track the installation of the planned STPs and ensure the provision of clean drinking water to the public at the earliest possible time.
The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials including the Secretary for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Ms Aisha Moriani; the Secretary for the Ministry of Water Resources, Syed Ali Murtaza; and the directors general of the EPA and the Rawalpindi Development Authority, along with the Managing Director of WASA.