ISLAMABAD: JAN 15 /DNA/: Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, chaired a high-level meeting to review the water quality situation of Rawal Lake and discuss measures to address contamination concerns.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Ms. Aisha Moriani, Secretary Ministry of Water Resources Mr. Syed Ali Murtaza, Director General Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Director General Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Managing Director WASA, along with senior officers from relevant federal and provincial ministries and departments.
During the briefing, the Minister was informed about the three major water streams flowing into Rawal Lake, Korang, Lake View, and Jinnah streams. Some of these streams have been contaminated due to the discharge of untreated sewerage from nearby residential areas and planning for the installation of three sewerage treatment plants (STPs) at Simli Road, Bari Imam, and Shadrah is underway to address and eliminate this contamination.
Dr. Musadik Malik emphasized that access to clean and safe drinking water is a fundamental right of every citizen. He stated that while the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination does not have direct jurisdiction over water supply and sewerage management, it will extend full facilitation and coordination support to the relevant departments to ensure timely and effective action.
The Federal Minister directed EPA and WASA to conduct comprehensive water quality testing at multiple points along the water inflows to and outflows out of Rawal Lake to accurately identify sources, points, and the extent of contamination. He stressed the importance of evidence-based interventions, stating that precise data is essential for designing effective remedial measures.
Raising a critical concern, Dr. Musadik Malik remarked, “We must ask ourselves whether this is water we are comfortable feeding to our children”. The Minister further called for strengthened coordination among federal and provincial departments to fast-track the installation of sewerage treatment plants and ensure the provision of clean drinking water to the public at the earliest.
