Pakistan

WASA issues drought warning in Rawalpindi

Published by

Staff Reporter

1 year ago

RAWALPINDI: Authorities have declared a drought emergency in Rawalpindi as the city faces an escalating water crisis due to prolonged dry conditions. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has warned that if rainfall remains low in February and March, the situation could become worse.

In a shocking turn of events, the Rawalpindi authorities declared a drought emergency in the city as the water crisis in the area escalated due to prolonged dryness and little to no rain at all.

The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has warned the authorities that if the chances of precipitation remain low in February and March, the situation will get out of hand.

To maintain the threatening situation in the city, WASA has charged a fine from two residents of Rawalpindi for wasting water.

The managing director of WASA has urged the citizens to avoid wasting water and to responsibly utilize the water resources to

to prevent water shortage.

Concerns are heightened by the sharp decline in water levels at Rawal Dam, one of the city’s main water supplies. The dam has now lowered to 1,669 feet, below its full storage capacity of 1,743.30 feet.

At the moment, the dam can store water for forty-five days. Rawalpindi and Islamabad face the threat of serious water scarcity due to the low inflows.

Due to maintenance, the Khanpur Dam’s water supply will not be available until February 22. The Met Office’s forecast of below-normal rainfall has increased concerns of a protracted drought.

Conservation efforts are crucial because experts warn that if the situation continues, Islamabad and Rawalpindi may experience an unprecedented water deficit.

Staff Reporter