Irrigation dept teams to clean Rawal Dam

Rawal Dam is the only source of water supply to the garrison city of Rawalpindi

ISLAMABAD: Rawal Dam, the only source of water supply to the garrison city of Rawalpindi has been polluted due to household waste being dumped from residential areas of Murree, Bani Gala and adjoining areas.

Proper waste collection teams of the Punjab Irrigation Department`s Small Dams Organisation (SDO) are working round the clock to clear surface blockage caused by waste pollution in the water reservoir.

An SDO official told the media that there was domestic waste pollution due to mushroom growth of housing across the dam that lacked a proper waste managed system.

"There is high level involvement of stakeholders and authorities concerned to hold waste management in the areas polluting the dam.

It includes installation of five sewage treatment plants on different locations as the pollution is carried from Murree to downward areas."

He said there was underground blockage in the Rawal Dam, adding, "desilting the dam would not be feasible, as it would cost double of what it took to construct the dam. For that purpose, check dams are built at the back of the dam with plantation to control the silt.”  

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30^th, 2019.