The Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination on Thursday criticized the deteriorating water quality in Islamabad, calling for urgent and coordinated action to address the water pollution crisis and its severe impact on public health.
The Senate committee cited the worsening water quality in the federal capital as a major cause of diarrhoea among children. Over 17,000 diarrhoea cases have already been reported this year due to underground water contamination.
Senator Sherry Rehman, chair of the Senate climate committee, highlighted the alarming discharge of nearly 9 million gallons of sewage into Rawal Dam daily, endangering water safety.
Reports from the National Institute of Health revealed that 41% of bore water, 27% of filtered water, and 33% of supply water samples in Islamabad failed safety standards. Bore water in Sector G and Tarlai was found to be completely unsafe, with 41% of borewater, 27% of filtered water, and 33% of supply water failing safety standards.
The committee highlighted that 93% of diarrhoea cases among children in Islamabad were linked to contaminated drinking water. In 2024, the city reported 158 suspected typhoid cases, a rise in Hepatitis A and E infections, and nearly 4,000 dengue cases, underscoring the need for urgent action, Senator Sherry Rehman stressed.
Senators call for urgent measures to address unsafe water quality in Islamabad
Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa acknowledged the severity of the water crisis but cited significant funding challenges. He noted that only Rs60 million had been allocated for a Rs6 billion public health project and urged a minimum of Rs3 billion to address critical issues in Islamabad’s water treatment and sewage systems.
To address the crisis, Senator Sherry Rehman announced the formation of a coordination committee led by the Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change. The committee, including representatives from relevant agencies, has been tasked with addressing the water and sewage issues within a month.
“This is not just about meetings and discussions,” Senator Rehman stated. “Our primary goal is to ensure clean drinking water for the citizens of Islamabad. The time for finger-pointing is over. It is essential for all agencies to set aside differences and prioritise public health,” she added.
CDA and RDA criticized over growing pollution in Rawal Dam
During meeting, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) faced criticism for their failure to address water contamination in Rawal Dam and the city’s outdated sewage system.
Rehman also voiced frustration over institutional blame games, demanding accountability and solutions to protect public health in the federal capital. The meeting also revealed a concerning lack of coordination among government agencies responsible for water quality and public health management.
“This is a national challenge, not an isolated issue,” Senator Sherry Rehman asserted, calling for all agencies to work together in the citizens’ best interest.
CDA reviews progress on Islamabad Water Agency
Meanwhile, the CDA Chairman, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, reviewed progress on the newly formed Islamabad Water Agency during a meeting on Thursday. The agency’s role in tackling the city’s water issues was discussed, with emphasis on transparency, IT-based solutions like e-billing, and net metering to enhance efficiency.
The meeting was attended by CDA board members, the Director General (DG) of Islamabad Water, and other relevant officials, while the DG of WASA Lahore and his team joined via Zoom to provide their input.
The Director General of Islamabad Water outlined challenges, including financial and staffing needs, while the DG of WASA Lahore shared insights on successful water management systems, including complaint resolution and monitoring mechanisms.
Efforts to restore filtration plants for clean drinking water were also highlighted as part of ongoing initiatives to ensure safe water access for residents.
Randhawa stressed sustainable, long-term solutions to secure the city’s water supply and improve services, reaffirming the CDA’s commitment to addressing Islamabad’s pressing water challenges.