The Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) has given the green light to an ambitious water supply scheme set to provide clean drinking water to residents in seven union councils of the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC).
Additionally, a mega project is in the works to install a hypochlorination system aimed at purifying tube well water. These developments come with an investment exceeding Rs 40.3 million and are poised to address the persistent water scarcity issues faced by the city.
New Water Supply Scheme Approved
The new water supply scheme is a lifeline for the water-deprived areas of Union Councils 42, 43, 44, 45, 75, 77, and 78, encompassing localities such as Dhok Khaba, Dhok Elahi Bakhsh, Arya Mohalla, Chamanzar Colony, Tipu Road, Chaklala, Shukrial, Gangal, and Dhok Munshi. These union councils collectively house more than 0.3 million residents and are among the most densely populated in the region.
With a commitment to swift action, the project aims to complete the water supply scheme in an unprecedented two-month timeframe, with an estimated budget of more than Rs 30.3 million. This initiative reflects the city’s dedication to ensuring an ample and clean drinking water supply for its growing population.
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Hypochlorination System Project
In parallel, the mega project entails the installation of a hypochlorination system in the tube wells of Wasa’s East Zone-I. This advanced purification system will contribute significantly to water quality and safety. The total cost of installation, operation, and maintenance for this system is estimated to be Rs3.1 million for East Zone-II, Rs3.7 million, and for West Zone-I, Rs3.4 million.
Upon completion of this hypochlorination project, the citizens of Rawalpindi can expect a reliable and purified source of tube well water, further enhancing the overall water quality.
A Solution to Long-Standing Water Shortages
These initiatives come as a respite to Rawalpindi’s enduring water shortage issues. The city, marked by its rich history and vibrant culture, has experienced significant groundwater level declines, with some tube wells drying up due to insufficient rainfall. As a result, several localities have been grappling with acute water scarcity, a problem exacerbated by recent temperature increases.
Environmental experts have sounded alarms about the impending water scarcity crisis, warning that Pakistan is on the precipice of becoming a water-scarce nation due to rising temperatures and climate change. They stress the need for improved water pricing and governance to avert the looming threat of water shortage.
Final Words
The groundwater level has dwindled by approximately 750 feet, underscoring the urgency of addressing the city’s water-related concerns. The new water supply scheme and hypochlorination system project aim to provide a ray of hope in mitigating Rawalpindi’s water woes and ensuring a sustainable and secure water future for the city’s residents.
