Rawal Lake Park in Islamabad has lost nearly half of its tree cover over the past 20 years. Satellite images from Pakistan’s space agency Suparco show a big drop in green areas between 2004 and 2024. Once thick with trees at places like Lake View Point, the area now has far less vegetation due to fast city growth.
Experts say rapid urban expansion around the lake is the main reason. New buildings, roads, and human activities have shrunk green spaces. This change harms the environment and reduces natural beauty in the capital city. The images also reveal a worrying shift in the lake’s water color, pointing to pollution problems.
Sewage from nearby areas flows into the lake, along with other waste. Recent cleanup drives found dangerous medical waste and large amounts of plastic on the shores. These issues threaten fish, birds, and other wildlife that depend on the lake.
Environmentalists are calling for immediate action. They want stronger rules to stop illegal construction, better waste management, and new tree-planting programs. Without quick steps, Rawal Lake could lose more of its ecosystem.
Protecting this important water body is essential for clean air, water, and the health of Islamabad residents.
