Lahore: The wastewater treatment plants project is being restored in order to protect the water of River Ravi and underground water channels from contamination, and preserve aquatic life, according to a news report.
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has agreed to grant PKR 50 billion for this purpose. The National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) has already started on the consultancy proceedings. It has been reported that the water of River Ravi is being polluted by the wastewater of the city and industrial units. The aquatic life of the river has been severely damaged by this negligence, not to mention the intoxication of the groundwater, which is no longer safe for human consumption.
The AIIB had first proposed the construction of these wastewater treatment plants in spots like Babu Sabu, Mehmood Booti, Shad Bagh, and Shahdara in 1992. Back then, the estimated cost of these plants was PKR 40 billion, which has now hiked up to the PKR 50 billion, owing to the delay in the decision process. A property spanning over 912 acres was purchased in Babu Sabu for the construction of the plant. Similar plans to purchase properties in Mehmood Booti and Shahdara were finalised.
In 2013, NESPAK offered consultancy for this project yet again. However, no progress was made and now the NESPAK will receive PKR 13 million for the consultancy of this project. NESPAK will present its report in 3 months. The Managing Director of the Water and Sanitation Authority (WASA) Aziz Zahid expressed hope that NESPAK will present its report in the agreed-upon time, and after the relevant provincial and federal government approvals, funds will be granted to construct these plants.
