Car wash stations face closure for ignoring directives

RAWALPINDI:

The Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change has sealed eight car service stations in Rawalpindi for failing to install water recycling systems, despite repeated notices.

The action comes amid concerns over a looming water crisis due to decreased rainfall. According to officials, 123 service stations have been issued red notices, directing them to install water recycling systems to conserve water.

The crackdown is part of a province-wide effort to implement the Lahore High Court's directives in response to the worsening drought conditions in Punjab.

The Director General of Punjab's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also imposed a ban on the establishment of any new car service stations across the province. Additionally, all existing stations are now required to install water recycling systems as a mandatory condition of operation.

In Rawalpindi, the EPA inspection team, led by Deputy Director Maria Safeer and inspectors Inamul Haq and Atta Muhammad, conducted site visits to various service stations.

During inspections, six stations were sealed for non-compliance with court orders.

So far, 18 service stations have complied by installing the mandated recycling systems—a development the EPA spokesperson called a "positive step towards water conservation."

The spokesperson added, "These measures are being taken to safeguard water reserves in the province and address the drought crisis.

Any negligence in this regard will not be tolerated."

Authorities have warned service station owners to fully comply with environmental guidelines or face immediate closure.