Twin cities face worsening water crisis

Authorities have once again imposed a water emergency in Rawalpindi, cautioning that the groundwater table has dropped to 650 feet and the water crisis in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad could worsen if rainfall remains insufficient.

Earlier this year, in February, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) had declared a drought emergency as well.

Khanpur Dam now holds only a one-month supply of water. Severe water shortage is also being reported in the Rawalpindi and Chaklala Cantonment areas, where tube wells are failing, and both cantonments are not receiving adequate water to meet demand.

According to WASA Managing Director Muhammad Saleem Ashraf, Rawal Dam has only three months of water. The demand and supply of water have been severely affected in recent days. Due to low rainfall, there has been no improvement in the underground water levels.

The MD noted that the groundwater table has dropped to 650 feet, and if rainfall remains insufficient, the water crisis in the twin cities could worsen.

Presently, Rawalpindi requires more than 50 million gallons of water per day, while only 30 million gallons are available daily, Ashraf further said, adding that WASA usually tries to meet the shortfall through tube wells and other sources.

However, continuous population growth and increased commercial activity are putting further strain on available water resources. He added that due to the lack of rain, the equitable distribution of water has become difficult. Going forward, legal action will be taken against those who waste water, the WASA MD maintained. He urged citizens to conserve water and cooperate with the agency.

Meanwhile, water shortages have already begun in densely populated areas of Rawalpindi and Chaklala cantonments with the onset of summer. Tube wells are producing significantly less water, and the supply from Khanpur Dam has also declined to the point that Chaklala Cantonment is now receiving water from the dam only on alternate days.

Similarly, water supply duration from Khanpur Dam has been reduced for Rawalpindi Cantonment areas. Neither cantonment is currently providing a public water supply through tankers.