Islamabad: Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr. Musadik Masood Malik on Tuesday urged the expansion of groundwater recharge initiatives in Islamabad, citing a continued decline in the city’s aquifers as a pressing concern.
According to Press Information Department, Dr. Malik made these remarks at an event titled “Protecting Islamabad’s Aquifers” held at the USEFP Auditorium. The minister highlighted the construction of around 200 recharge wells in the capital as a significant pilot project that now requires scaling up to combat the city’s dwindling groundwater reserves.
While the minister noted a modest increase of 0.4 millimeters in the water table due to these interventions, he emphasized the need for further efforts to counteract the approximately 1.5-meter decline experienced. Dr. Malik advocated for expanding recharge initiatives to not only slow depletion but also reverse the trend over time.
In his address, Dr. Malik called for better management of both surface and groundwater resources, particularly following recent heavy rainfall of about 200 millimeters in Islamabad. He reported that flooding had affected several areas, prompting directives for relevant authorities to respond to the situation promptly.
The minister also raised concerns about water quality, noting that treatment facilities in Rawalpindi and Islamabad were operational and effective in reducing water contamination. However, he stressed the importance of maintaining focus on water quality issues.
Discussing infrastructure, Dr. Malik mentioned delays in establishing an additional water treatment plant, a project that has faced repeated tendering over several years. He acknowledged that such delays are not unique to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) but are widespread across various government departments. However, he pointed out that progress had been made, with the tendering process currently underway.
Dr. Malik also addressed the significance of international treaties and legal mechanisms in safeguarding Pakistan’s water interests, emphasizing the need for adherence to international agreements to maintain stability and protect the rights of nations reliant on shared water resources.
In addition, the minister announced the establishment of a Clean Environment Fund by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination. This initiative seeks to involve private-sector participation and conduct due diligence to support environmental projects. He urged the adoption of innovative approaches and greater private-sector involvement in tackling environmental challenges.
Furthermore, Dr. Malik endorsed legislative measures to promote groundwater recharge in new communities, housing schemes, and on rooftops, underscoring the necessity of protecting water resources for community welfare and ensuring sustainable water availability.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to initiatives aimed at protecting Islamabad’s aquifers and enhancing water management practices.