Rawalpindi and Islamabad are going through a serious water crisis as the main dams. Rawal, Simly, and Khanpur are running very low on water. This is because there hasn’t been enough rain for many weeks. Officials have warned that only 40 to 45 days of water are left, and water rationing will likely begin by mid-May.
In Rawalpindi, the situation is even worse. The underground water level has fallen below 700 feet, making it hard for tube wells to pull up water. As a result, many areas are already facing shortages. To deal with the crisis, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has started a Water Control Plan.
This includes a ban on non-essential water use like car washing, lawn watering, and construction. WASA is also taking action against those stealing water or not paying their bills.
Because of the shortage, people are turning to private water tankers, causing prices to rise sharply. Those who can’t afford it are struggling the most. The demand is increasing every day, especially in low-income and high-density areas.
If it doesn’t rain soon, things could get even worse. The government is trying to speed up the Chahan Dam project, hoping it will help reduce the pressure on existing sources. In the meantime, authorities have promised to supply free water through tankers to the most affected communities.
The situation is a reminder of how important water conservation is, especially in times of drought. People are being urged to use water wisely and report any wastage or illegal connections.
