Rainwater harvesting system launched

Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) Rawalpindi Managing Director Muhammad Saleem Ashraf Monday has embarked on an ambitious project to install rain harvesting systems at 30 different buildings across the city in collaboration with UN-HABITAT to conserve rainwater, reducing the demand for clean drinking water and promoting sustainable water management practices.

"Our partnership with UN-HABITAT will enable us to leverage cutting-edge technology and expertise to transform Rawalpindi's water landscape," the MD Wasa told a news channel. Under the project, rooftop rainwater will be channelled into underground tanks, where it will be stored for non-potable uses such as horticulture, he said, adding that by harnessing the power of rainwater, Wasa hoped to alleviate the pressure on the city's water resources, ensuring a more resilient and water-secure future for Rawalpindi's growing population.

Ashraf emphasised the importance of conserving clean drinking water, highlighting the rain harvesting system as a crucial step towards achieving this goal. With the installation of these systems, Rawalpindi is poised to become a model for water conservation in Pakistan, showcasing the potential for sustainable urban development.

He also revealed that WASA is not only working with UN-HABITAT but also closely collaborating with the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) and hospital managements to maximise the benefits of rainwater harvesting.

"We are working together to store rooftop rainwater at hospitals and other buildings, which will be used for horticulture and other non-potable purposes," he explained. Ashraf further emphasised that this initiative would not only help conserve clean drinking water but also reduce the burden on the city's drainage system.

He further urged the citizens to cooperate with Wasa by installing rainwater harvesting systems in their homes and businesses