The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in collaboration with the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), will conduct comprehensive water quality tests of Rawal Lake to assess pollution levels and identify contamination sources.
The decision was taken on the direction of Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr. Musadik Malik, who instructed the concerned agencies to analyse the quality of water entering and exiting the lake.
The objective of the testing is to accurately determine the sources, locations, and severity of pollution affecting one of the capital’s most important water reservoirs.
Officials informed that several drains flowing into Rawal Lake have become polluted due to untreated sewage discharged from nearby residential areas. This sewage inflow has raised serious environmental and public health concerns.
To address the issue, authorities are planning to install three Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) at Simli Road, Bari Imam, and Shadrah. These facilities aim to treat wastewater before it enters the lake, helping to curb pollution and protect water quality.
Dr. Musadik Malik stated that although the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination does not have direct jurisdiction over water supply and sewerage systems, it remains fully committed to supporting relevant institutions. He assured that the ministry would provide all possible assistance to ensure timely and effective measures are taken to protect Rawal Lake from further environmental degradation.
The initiative is seen as a significant step toward safeguarding Islamabad’s water resources and improving environmental management in the region.
It is worth mentioning here that last year in 2025 Senate subcommittee on climate change had also ordered the testing of Rawal Dam’s water after voicing concerns about increasing fish deaths in the reservoir located in the federal capital.
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