Rawalpindi Declares Water Emergency, Urges Public Cooperation

APP

Rawalpindi: The Managing Director (MD) of the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Rawalpindi, Muhammad Saleem Ashraf, has called on residents to use water responsibly as the city grapples with a severe water shortage.

In a statement, the MD emphasized that while WASA is doing its utmost to ensure the availability of clean drinking water, it is equally important for citizens to cooperate by using water carefully.

Ashraf further urged residents to pay their water and sewerage bills promptly, which will help support the agency’s efforts in maintaining essential services. He acknowledged the considerable challenges faced by WASA due to a combination of factors including the ongoing drought, rapid population growth, increasing commercial activities, and limited water resources.

To address the crisis, a drought emergency has been declared in Rawalpindi, as the city faces a sharp decline in both dam water levels and underground reserves following the lack of rainfall over the past three months. The city’s daily water requirement stands at 68 million gallons, but current resources only provide 51 million gallons, creating a significant shortfall.

In light of this situation, WASA has launched a public awareness campaign urging citizens to conserve water. Strict enforcement measures, including fines and disconnections for illegal or wasteful connections, have been introduced to curb water wastage.

Additionally, the MD has appealed to households and businesses to use sewer lines exclusively for wastewater, avoid dumping garbage, and dispose of used cooking oil and grease in containers rather than pouring them down drains. These steps are essential to preserve the integrity of the city’s water systems.

WASA has also been conducting inspections across the city to ensure compliance with water conservation policies. The agency has warned that non-compliance with guidelines may result in fines, warnings, or disconnections.

Given the current drought, WASA reiterates the need for responsible water usage to help ensure a sustainable supply for all residents.