Stakeholders urge water conservation

Rawalpindi marks World Water Day with special awareness walk


Jamil Mirza March 23, 2025
A child drinks water from a pipe in a makeshift settlement in Peshawar on March 22, 2016. International World Water Day is held annually on March 22 to focus global attention on the importance of water and advocate for sustainable water resource management. PHOTO: AFP

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RAWALPINDI:

Like the rest of the world, Pakistan marked World Water Day, with the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Rawalpindi organising a special awareness walk.

The event saw the participation of WASA Managing Director Salim Ashraf, department officials, and a large number of citizens.

Participants carried banners highlighting the significance of water conservation and distributed pamphlets among the public.

This year's United Nations theme for World Water Day is "Glacier Preservation," emphasising the climate change-driven melting of glaciers and its direct impact on global water resources.

Speaking at the event, WASA MD Salim Ashraf stressed the urgency of addressing climate challenges through a collective global effort.

He underscored that afforestation is a key tool in combating environmental changes, aligning with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's vision for an extensive tree-planting drive.

Meanwhile, WASA has issued special Eid SOPs to ensure uninterrupted water supply and efficient sewerage services during the holiday.

The agency assured citizens that all operational staff would remain on duty during Eid.

"Tube wells will be continuously monitored for water discharge, water tankers will be fully functional to meet any shortages, and all uncovered manholes are being sealed to prevent public hazards.

Authorities also urged citizens to use water responsibly during Eid to ensure a stable supply amid rising temperatures.

Separately on Saturday, Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa emphasised the critical importance of water conservation during a high-level meeting held via Zoom to mark World Water Day.

The meeting was attended by CDA board members and senior officers, who discussed strategies to address water-related challenges and ensure sustainable water management in the federal capital.

World Water Day, observed annually on March 22, is a United Nations initiative aimed at raising awareness about the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of water resources.

Chairman Randhawa highlighted water as a divine blessing and urged every individual to play their part in conserving it. "Saving water saves life, and every drop counts," he said.

He reaffirmed CDA's commitment to resolving water-related issues in Islamabad and ensuring uninterrupted access to clean and safe water for all residents.

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