Rawalpindi faces severe water crisis
With the onset of summer, Rawalpindi is experiencing a critical water shortage, prompting private water tanker operators to significantly hike prices.
Several private housing societies have begun water rationing, informing residents via notices that water will now be supplied on alternate days starting April 17.
If dry weather continues for two more weeks, authorities are planning to further reduce water supply in the twin cities.
The Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change has launched operations against water wastage, banning activities like washing vehicles, courtyards, and streets with hosepipes.
Car wash stations are now required to install water recycling systems — so far, 20 have complied, and red notices have been issued to others.
Major housing societies planning to supply water for only 15 days a month are now facing legal challenges. Senior High Court Bar Association member Raja Haseeb Sultan Advocate said the move will be contested in court, arguing that residents who pay full bills are entitled to the regular water supply.
The groundwater level has fallen below 700 feet due to a 40 per cent rainfall deficit in the the Rawalpindi division over the past six months.
Tube wells built between 1990 and 2000 — usually 300 to 400 feet deephave begun to dry up, resulting in muddy water and reduced pressure, especially in older city neighbourhoods.
Affected areas include Gulistan Colony, Scheme 3, Dhok Choudhrian, Fazal Town, areas around the High Court, Dhok Kala Khan, Sadiqabad, Gulrez, Shah Faisal Colony, Shah Khalid Colony, Chaklala, Rehmatabad, Muslim Town, Tench Bhatta, and Dhok Jumma along Adiala Road.
A WASA spokesperson confirmed the groundwater depletion and noted that contingency plans involve supplying water through tankers in the most affected zones.
Meanwhile, private tanker operators are exploiting the crisis, raising prices drastically — small tankers now cost Rs2,400 to 2,600, while large ones are priced at Rs3,000 to 3,300.