Rawalpindi: Rawalpindi is facing a severe drought as a result of prolonged dry weather, causing a dangerous drop in the groundwater level. In response, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Rawalpindi has declared a drought emergency, imposing a one-month ban on car washing at service stations and homes.
According to reports, the prolonged drought has significantly lowered groundwater levels and reduced water reserves. Managing Director (MD) of WASA, Saleem Ashraf, has urged residents to avoid washing cars, cleaning house floors with excessive water, and watering gardens. He warned that violators would face strict action.
MD Saleem Ashraf further stated that the ongoing drought, coupled with the desilting of Khanpur Dam, has worsened the water supply situation. The daily water demand in Rawalpindi is 70 million gallons, but only 51 million gallons were being supplied. Due to the lack of rainfall, the daily supply has dropped by an additional 5 million gallons.
Meanwhile, the Lahore High Court recently ordered a ban on car washing at homes across Punjab, with the provincial environment department announcing a fine of Rs 10,000 for violators. The court has also prohibited the use of any type of oil-based cleaning agents for washing vehicles.
In compliance with the Lahore High Court’s directives, Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, Secretary of Environment Raja Jahangir, and DG Environment Imran Hamid have formed a committee to oversee the implementation of these orders. Additionally, all service stations in Punjab have been directed to install water recycling systems by February 28. Service stations failing to comply will face a fine of Rs 100,000.
