Water crisis forces Pindi hose pipe ban
Ongoing drought conditions are severely worsening the water crisis in twin cities and across the six districts of Rawalpindi Division including Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Gujar Khan, and Murree.
In a move to address the impending crisis, the Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change has imposed a province-wide ban on the use of water hose pipes effective April 10.
Violations will result in legal action, challans, and heavy fines.
Water rationing has already begun in the twin cities as reserves in Rawal Dam, Simly Dam, and Khanpur Dam fall dangerously low - with only about 40 days of water left.
Director General Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh issued the notification, banning the use of hoses for washing cars at homes.
The directive also applies to government offices and commercial buildings.
This follows an earlier ban on vehicle washing at service stations and homes, with fines already being enforced.
Between September 1, 2024, and January 15, 2025, Punjab recorded 42 per cent less rainfall, making water conservation critical.
WASA has urged citizens to support the water-saving programme. Meanwhile, residents have begun visiting the visibly receding reservoirs of Rawal, Simly, and Khanpur Dams, with many families exploring the dried areas.
In February, the Environmental Protection and Climate Change Department issued formal red notices to all 465 car wash service stations, both large and small, in Rawalpindi district, instructing them to install wastewater recycling systems.
According to officials, the notices were issued in response to the potential severe water crisis due to ongoing drought conditions. The Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation, Rawalpindi Water and Sanitation Agency, and the District Council administration have also issued similar notices to service stations, private tube wells, and bore well owners, setting a deadline of February 28 for installation.
In response, car wash station owners have protested, questioning how they could afford the costly system so quickly.
Punjab has experienced 42 per cent less rainfall this year, intensifying concerns over water scarcity. Authorities have warned service station owners to fully comply with environmental guidelines or face immediate closure.
Earlier this month, the Lahore High Court (LHC) urged the Punjab government to declare a water emergency in response to the worsening water crisis in the province. Justice Shahid Karim made the observation while hearing petitions filed by Haroon Farooq and others regarding ineffective measures to control smog.
At the outset of the proceedings, a member of the Judicial Water and Environment Commission stressed the need for a structured timetable for the operation of tube wells in urban areas. Expressing concern over the alarming water shortage, the court emphasised the need for immediate and practical measures to prevent water wastage.