Pindi imposes water restrictions amid drought
RAWALPINDI:
The worsening drought and a 42 per cent decrease in rainfall have caused groundwater levels in Rawalpindi to drop to a critical depth of 800 feet.
In response, the Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change has imposed an immediate ban on the use of tube wells, wells, and boring water for the construction of buildings, houses, and plazas.
Violators will face a fine of Rs10,000, the department said.
Additionally, strict directives have been issued to shut down all illegal and unapproved car wash service stations.
To enforce these measures, the Environmental Protection and Climate Change Department, Rawalpindi Water and Sanitation Agencies (WASA), municipal corporations, and district councils have begun operations against car wash stations. Authorities have issued formal notices to all 3,500 service stations across Rawalpindi city, district council areas, and the entire division, instructing them to voluntarily comply with the new restrictions by February 28.
The crackdown will begin on Monday, with a separate operation targeting water recycling system installations starting March 3.
Immediate action will also be taken to prevent unnecessary water wastage.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
22-03-2025
- Express Tribune
Over 13,000 evacuated in Johor, Malaysia as floods hit
Fire and rescue department personnel wading through flood waters to evacuate flood victims in Kampung Pasir Tebrau, Johor Baru. PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Listen to article More than 13,000 people have been evacuated in Malaysia's southern state of Johor as heavy flooding continues ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, disrupting preparations and damaging homes across six districts. As of 8 am local time, 95 temporary relief centres were operational, the Johor Disaster Management Committee said in a statement. 'There are currently 13,089 individuals from 3,749 families who have been evacuated,' it said. The highest number of evacuees was recorded in Johor Bahru, followed by Kluang, Pontian, Kota Tinggi, Kulai and Batu Pahat. Floodwaters have risen to dangerous levels in nine rivers, including Sungai Lenik, Sungai Pulai and Sungai Skudai, with continuous rain since March 19 causing major traffic congestion and road closures. Two roads in Kota Tinggi – Jalan Lukut Cina and Jalan Mawai Lama – have been shut to all vehicles due to flooding. Johor's Chief Minister, Onn Hafiz Ghazi, expressed concern over the situation, noting that many residents have lost their belongings just days before the Hari Raya celebrations. 'The state government will continue providing assistance and ensure the welfare of the people is prioritised,' he said on Wednesday. Some flood victims said this was the worst flooding they had ever experienced. In Kampung Pasir Tebrau, 39-year-old accountant Nordiana Moidoo said only the roof of her home was visible after the water rose rapidly. 'I managed to save my car and one motorcycle. Everything else is gone,' she said, estimating her losses at over RM10,000 (USD 2,120), including festive clothing and food prepared for the holiday. Factory worker Jefri Kamarulzaman, 43, said his family was evacuated to the Kampung Pasir Tebrau community hall after the river near their home overflowed. His wife's tailoring business and their children's school supplies were also destroyed. 'She had stitched festive clothes for customers. We hope they understand the situation,' he said. Schools were also affected. Johor Education Committee chairman Aznan Tamin said 20 schools across five districts were disrupted, with seven converted into relief centres and two schools fully inundated. SK Kangkar Tebrau teacher Siti Aishah Baharudin said it was the first time floodwaters had reached the school's first floor. 'I hope affected parents and children remain strong,' she said. Local authorities are continuing to monitor river levels and provide aid to displaced residents, as weather forecasts predict more rain in the coming days.
Express Tribune
11-03-2025
- Express Tribune
Rawalpindi reports two dengue cases
Two confirmed dengue patients have been reported in Rawalpindi since January 2025. Lowered temperatures due to recent rains caused the rapid growth in dengue fever. According to the District Health Authority (DHA), anti-dengue activities have been accelerated to reduce dengue risk. An anti-dengue meeting was held here on Tuesday, chaired by Commissioner Engr Amir Khattak, in which representatives from the health authority informed that 1,432 houses were found with a larvae presence out of a total of 1.46 million residences checked. The meeting was attended by Islamabad Administration and Cantonment Boards' officers and Divisional Administration officers. It was briefed that 508 indoor teams were fully engaged in the field, while 1,788 outdoor teams have been constituted. It was informed to the meeting that actions against 217 people were taken, including registering 38 FIRs and issuance of 295 challans. A total of 21 buildings were also sealed due to the violation of dengue SOPs, while a fine to the tune of Rs1,28,000 has been imposed. The Commissioner directed to take Islamabad administration and Cantt Boards on board in anti-dengue activities.
Express Tribune
13-02-2025
- Express Tribune
Pindi imposes water restrictions amid drought
RAWALPINDI: The worsening drought and a 42 per cent decrease in rainfall have caused groundwater levels in Rawalpindi to drop to a critical depth of 800 feet. In response, the Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change has imposed an immediate ban on the use of tube wells, wells, and boring water for the construction of buildings, houses, and plazas. Violators will face a fine of Rs10,000, the department said. Additionally, strict directives have been issued to shut down all illegal and unapproved car wash service stations. To enforce these measures, the Environmental Protection and Climate Change Department, Rawalpindi Water and Sanitation Agencies (WASA), municipal corporations, and district councils have begun operations against car wash stations. Authorities have issued formal notices to all 3,500 service stations across Rawalpindi city, district council areas, and the entire division, instructing them to voluntarily comply with the new restrictions by February 28. The crackdown will begin on Monday, with a separate operation targeting water recycling system installations starting March 3. Immediate action will also be taken to prevent unnecessary water wastage.
