Islamabad: Around 64 illegal housing schemes have been found to be polluting the water in Rawal Dam, a news source reported. These housing schemes are also responsible for contaminating the Soan River.
An official has stated that these housing schemes have not acquired any No Objection Certificate (NOC) or environment impact assessment report from Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Environment Protection Agency (EPA). The disposal of waste in Rawal Lake is due to the absence of proper sewage and sanitation systems since the societies are illegal.
During rainfall, all kinds of waste can evidently be seen flowing down the various tributaries, drains, and channels. Additionally, no water treatment plant has been installed at Rawal Dam, even though there is a requirement for four water purification plants.
Meanwhile, the government is working on the capital’s master plan, which includes the regularisation process for such illegal settlements. A committee has been formed in this regard and will give its recommendation on the matter soon.
These illegal settlements are also a hurdle in the establishment of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), as quoted by Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI). Half a year might be required for the installation due to some technical issues in acquiring a PC-1 from the planning commission.
The STPs will prevent flow of sewage into the streams of Murree and Korang River, which empty into Rawal Lake. Several steps for the project are underway such as the approval of PC-1 and land acquisition. The project will help purify nine million gallons of water per day for the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi; resolving long-term issues of polluted water.
