By The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has declared an emergency in Rawalpindi due to a severe water crisis exacerbated by prolonged drought conditions. The city’s daily water demand stands at 68 million gallons, but only 51 million gallons are currently available, leading to significant shortages. Managing Director of WASA, Muhammad Saleem Ashraf, highlighted that the Pakistan Meteorological Department predicts lower-than-usual rainfall for February and March, which could further intensify the crisis.
The lack of precipitation has already caused water levels in Rawal Dam to drop to 1,669 feet, leaving only about 45 days’ worth of supply. Additionally, groundwater levels have plummeted to 700 feet below ground, complicating efforts to meet the city’s water needs. The rapid increase in population and commercial activities has strained existing water resources. In response, WASA has initiated an awareness campaign urging residents to conserve water and has begun imposing fines on individuals found wasting water. Two residents have already been penalized for such violations.
Compounding the issue, maintenance work at Khanpur Dam has led to a suspension of its water supply until February 22, further reducing the available water for Rawalpindi. Authorities are urging citizens to adopt water-saving measures and cooperate with efforts to manage the crisis effectively. The situation remains critical, and without significant rainfall in the coming weeks, Rawalpindi faces an escalating water shortage that could severely impact daily life and economic activities.
