Water crisis persists in Pindi UCs

WASA’s claims regarding alternative water supply fall flat

RAWALPINDI:

The tall claims made by the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) regarding temporary alternative arrangements for water supply to the two densely populated union councils have fallen flat as the issue persists despite the passing of 10 days.

According to details, a severe water crisis has gripped the densely populated union councils (UCs) 21 (Dhok Kala Khan) and 22 (Qayyum Abad) and the adjoining areas as out of the seven functional tube wells, four have completely stopped the supply of water while the discharge of water from the remaining has reduced to mere 40 per cent due to a substantial decrease in the groundwater.

Sources said the operation started to provide a water connection from the main supply line of Rawal Dam with temporary arrangements by the Wasa for the supply of water in these areas could not be completed even after 10 days.

Due to the failure of the Wasa plan to supply water to the affected areas through four tube wells with 40 per cent discharge capacity and water tankers, the residents of the affected areas are facing problems due to non-availability of water and the water supply system is completely paralysed.

Last week, sources in WASA told The Express Tribune that a total of 480 tube wells of the agency were in working condition. “The output of most of these tube wells has reduced,” they said.

Replying to a question, WASA spokesperson Umar Farooq said the agency started work on an emergency basis to deal with the water crisis that arose in the areas of UCs 21 and 22. “The process of laying a temporary line from the main water supply line coming from Rawal Dam and installing a booster pump on it has been started,” he said.

“In the meantime, efforts will be made to continue water supply through two tube wells with low discharge and water tankers,” he added. However, much to the dismay of the locals, these claims could not materialise.

According to Wasa Deputy Managing Director Saleem Ashraf, a new line has been laid to supply water to the affected areas from the main line coming from Rawal Dam, but due to the rain, the booster has not been installed yet. “The water supply will be restored in these affected areas only after installation of the booster,” he explained.

On the other hand, area residents Yasir Abbasi, Muhammad Zahoor and Rasheed Ahmad, said even after 10 days, the water supply to the affected areas could not be restored due to which the residents of these areas are facing a painful situation.

Several areas of the garrison city are facing acute water shortage due to the depleting groundwater level and interrupted supply from nearby water dams. According to experts, groundwater level has gone down around 750 feet while several tube wells have dried up because of fewer rains.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 11^th, 2023.