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Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Chirah Dam fast-tracked for twin cities' water security
Amid rapidly growing population in Rawalpindi and Islamabad and the resulting pressure on water resources, the federal government has decided to initiate the Chirah Dam project in the Chirah region of Islamabad. The move follows directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, aimed at ensuring long-term water security for the twin cities. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has submitted a formal proposal to the Punjab Secretary of Housing for project approval. The Chirah Dam is expected to supply 28 million gallons of water per day (MGD) to the twin cities. The estimated cost of the project is approximately Rs80 billion. In parallel, two other key dam projects — Chahan Dam and Dadhocha Dam — are already under development and are slated for completion in the coming years. Originally delayed under the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the Chirah Dam project is now being fast-tracked following a recent high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister. The meeting focused on addressing the escalating water demand and the gap in current supply. In response, WASA submitted a request to engage consultants for the preparation of the project's PC-I (Planning Commission Form-I). Official sources say the Punjab Irrigation Department will oversee the construction of Chirah Dam, while WASA Rawalpindi will be responsible for establishing the surface water treatment plant and water distribution network. Upon completion, the dam will supply treated water equally to both cities — 14 MGD each. Meanwhile, the Chahan Dam Water Supply Project — currently underway with Asian Development Bank loan funding of Rs33.95b — is being executed under the Dream Project. Once operational, it will add 17 MGD to Rawalpindi's water supply. In addition, the Dadhocha Dam project is under construction by the irrigation department and will provide an extra 35 MGD to Rawalpindi. WASA Rawalpindi will manage the water purification, pipeline network, and rising main installations. For this, it has engaged Usmani & Co as the consulting firm to develop the PC-I documentation. According to WASA Managing Director Rawalpindi, Muhammad Saleem Ashraf, the combined output from Chirah, Chahan, and Dadhocha dams will result in an additional 80 MGD of water — 14 MGD for Islamabad and 66 MGD for Rawalpindi. These initiatives, coupled with existing water sources such as Khanpur Dam, Rawal Dam, and various tube wells, are expected to significantly enhance the region's water supply infrastructure and sustainably meet the long-term needs of both cities.
Business Recorder
19-07-2025
- General
- Business Recorder
WASA directs industrial units to construct septic, silt tanks
FAISALABAD: On the instructions of Managing Director Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Sohail Qadir Cheema, notices have been issued to 435 industrial units of the city, in which it has been clarified that all industrial units should get septic and silt tanks constructed, otherwise their connections will be disconnected. According to the notices issued, all industrial units are discharging their chemical-contaminated water beyond the prescribed limit, which is against the Punjab Environmental Quality Standard (PEQS), and on the one hand, this industrial wastewater is causing air and environmental pollution, while on the other hand, it is creating blockages in WASA's sewage system, which is causing drainage problems for the citizens. According to the notices issued, it has been made mandatory for all industrial units to install a wastewater treatment plant as per WASA Sewerage and Drainage Rules and Regulations 2015, but industrial units, on the contrary, illegally connect their chemically contaminated wastewater to WASA sewerage network, whereas before doing so, it is very important to construct a septic and silt tank in every industrial unit, for which a standard and design is provided to all industrial units, but these orders are not being implemented. In this regard, MD WASA Sohail Qadir Cheema clarified that industrial units are creating a major obstacle in the delivery of quality drainage services to citizens during the rainy season and on the one hand, when it rains, on the other hand, industrial units pour their chemically contaminated water into WASA sewerage network, which increases the challenges of drainage. He further said that in case of non-implementation of the orders for construction of septic and silt tanks, the WASA sewerage connections of the concerned industrial units will be disconnected. He further said that in this regard, teams of WASA and the Department of Environmental Protection have been formed which will survey all the industrial units and in accordance with the prescribed time frame, the connections of the industrial units that do not construct septic and silt tanks will be disconnected and legal action will also be taken. MD WASA clarified that no application for connecting the discharge of any industrial unit to WASA sewerage lines without constructing septic and silt tanks will be approved. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
18-07-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
WASA warns 435 factories over illegal waste discharge
The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has served notices to 435 industrial units, warning them to construct septic and silt tanks or face disconnection from the city's sewerage network. As per the official notices, the majority of industrial units have been found discharging chemically contaminated wastewater directly into WASA's sewerage lines in violation of the Punjab Environmental Quality Standards (PEQS). Officials say this practice is not only contributing to environmental and air pollution but is also clogging the city's sewerage system, especially during the monsoon season, causing severe drainage issues for residents. The notices, issued on the directives of Managing Director Sohail Qadir Cheema, emphasise that under the WASA Sewerage and Drainage Rules and Regulations 2015, it is mandatory for every industrial unit to install a wastewater treatment system. However, most industries have been bypassing this requirement and illegally connecting their effluents to the city's network without the prerequisite construction of septic and silt tanks — despite having been provided with standardized designs and guidelines by the authorities. MD WASA Sohail Qadir Cheema stated that the continued discharge of untreated industrial waste into the sewer system is a significant hurdle in providing reliable drainage services, particularly during rains when chemically contaminated water from factories floods the system. He warned that if the directives are not implemented, WASA will proceed with disconnecting the sewerage connections of the violating industrial units. Additionally, legal action will be initiated against offenders. To enforce the compliance, joint teams from WASA and the Punjab Environmental Protection Department have been formed. These teams will conduct inspections and monitor compliance within a given timeframe. Units that fail to adhere to the orders will face disconnections and penalties under environmental and municipal regulations.
Express Tribune
17-07-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Monsoon deluge cripples Pindi
A laborer carries sacks of onions while wading through a flooded street after heavy monsoon rains in Lahore on July 16, 2025. Photo: AFP A devastating spell of torrential rain on Wednesday night and throughout Thursday left the entire city of Rawalpindi submerged. Streets, markets, and neighbourhoods turned into virtual lakes, presenting scenes reminiscent of Venice. A prolonged 19-hour power outage further crippled the city, rendering the water supply system inoperative. Traffic ground to a halt across all major roads and commercial centres. The Rs140 million allocated for the cleaning of Nullah Leh and 15 stormwater drains was effectively swept away by the floods. The district administration and Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) were rendered entirely ineffective and powerless, prompting the deployment of Pakistan Army. With the city inundated and drainage systems completely overwhelmed, the Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner declared an emergency public holiday at 11am on Thursday, resulting in the closure of all government offices. A flood emergency was enforced immediately, and all leaves for relevant officials were suspended. Due to excessive flooding, all underpassesboth new and oldhad to be shut down. Major roads including Mall Road, Murree Road, Rawal Road, and Raja Bazaar were completely submerged, paralysing commercial activity. In low-lying areas, streets and underpasses remained under three to five feet of water for nearly 15 hours. The city's administrative bodiesincluding WASA, the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB), and the District Councilcompletely failed to drain the accumulated water. Floodwaters entered homes, shops, and business premises, causing property damage estimated in the millions. Vehicles parked in garages, lawns, and streets were submerged under up to two feet of water, leaving hundreds of cars inoperable due to engine failure. Senior officialsincluding the Commissioner, Deputy and Assistant Commissioners, federal and provincial ministers, parliamentary secretaries, and officers from WASA and the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC)avoided visiting flood-affected areas, reportedly out of fear of public backlash. As has become routine, officials were seen posing for photographs and selfies on the Gawalmandi Bridge while gesturing toward the floodingbefore quickly departing. Ironically, these same officials had recently claimed that Rs140m had been used to clean Nullah Leh and other storm drains. Yet, in the wake of the city's submersion, they avoided media inquiries throughout the day. Two dead, several rescued Meanwhile, two people were killed and two others injured as torrential rains triggered flash floods, caused roof collapses, and led to multiple drowning incidents. Rescue operations are ongoing to locate a child and another person who were swept away in rainwater drains. One body has been recovered so far. Heavy rainfall on Thursday caused severe flooding in Nullah Leh, other seasonal streams, and the River Soan, leading to flood-like conditions in several areas.
Express Tribune
17-07-2025
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Punjab declares emergency as monsoon floods kill 33, injure over 170
Torrential monsoon rains have battered parts of Punjab over the past 24 hours, triggering widespread flooding, structural damage, and fatal accidents. At least 33 people have been killed and over 170 injured, according to a spokesperson from Rescue 1122, the province's emergency service. In response, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif declared a "rain emergency" across the province, including in Rawalpindi, where sirens were sounded and emergency measures activated. غیر معمولی طوفانی بارشوں اور سیلابی صورتحال پر پنجاب کے مختلف علاقوں میں رین ایمرجنسی نافذ کر دی گئی ہے۔ سرکاری ادارے جذبے اور انتہائی محنت سے کام کر رہے ہیں۔ انتظامیہ کو عوام کو بزریعہ سائرن اور اعلانات آگاہ رکھنے کی ہدایت کر دی گئی ہے۔ عوام اداروں سے تعاون کریں، حفاظتی ہدایات… — Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) July 17, 2025 The provincial government has mobilised all relevant departments, including district administrations, police, and Rescue 1122, to respond to the crisis. Boats, ambulances, helicopters, and specialised rescue vehicles have been deployed to reach flood-affected areas where road access is impossible. The worst-affected cities include Lahore (13 deaths), Faisalabad (8), Pakpattan (4), and Sheikhupura (3). Single fatalities were reported in Okara, Nankana Sahib, and Sahiwal. Most victims were caught in building collapses, flash floods, and rain-related accidents. This is coming from different parts of Rawalpindi/Islamabad. The rain is nonstop and it has been two to three days with this. Please don't leave your house unnecessarily and offices are advised to allow work from home these days. Stay safe everyone. — SyedaSabaBatool (@TheSabaShahh) July 17, 2025 Rescue 1122 continues to operate in extreme conditions, with multiple roads submerged and communication lines disrupted. Field hospitals and medical response teams remain on high alert. The Punjab government has ordered public hospitals to remain on standby and set up 24/7 control rooms to manage flood response. Traffic police have been instructed to arrange alternate routes, and the general public is advised to stay away from canals, rivers, and low-lying areas and avoid venturing out unless necessary. Lahore alone received 136 mm of rain within three hours, breaking a decades-old record. The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) deployed over 400 pumps to clear water from roads. Lahore records 136mm rain in 3hrs, breaking decades-old record! @MaryamNSharif orders immediate action: WASA deploys 400+ pumps, Rescue 1122 clears roads. Punjab Govt sets up 24/7 control rooms to tackle urban flooding. Stay safe, Lahoris! #LahoreRain #PunjabResponse#SkyNani — Husnain (@Hus_Zulfiqar) July 10, 2025 Emergency response teams, including Rescue 1122, are clearing debris and restoring access in major cities. The Pakistan Meteorological Department reported alarming rain totals, with Islamabad receiving 193 mm, Rawalpindi 179 mm, and Mandi Bahauddin 167 mm. Chakwal and Jhelum also saw intense rainfall, with 142 mm and 81 mm, respectively. 🛑 چکوال میں کئی گھنٹوں سے مسلسل طوفانی ⚡⚡ بارشوں کے باعث سیلاب آگیا☔ ⛈️ سڑکیں دریا کا منظر پیش کرنے لگیں، کئی کئی فٹ پانی.. — (@Pak_Weather) July 16, 2025 Further intermittent rain is forecast over the next 12–20 hours, with some reduction in intensity expected. However, thunderstorms and strong winds are still likely in Islamabad, Pothohar, upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and parts of Balochistan and central and southern Punjab. CM Punjab has urged the public to cooperate with authorities, follow safety guidelines, and avoid risky areas to prevent further loss of life. She also appealed to the public to cooperate with the authorities, follow announcements and evacuation orders, and take every precaution to protect lives. As the rainstorms continue, emergency response teams remain on high alert, working around the clock to mitigate the effects of the devastating floods. Emergency services remain on high alert as rescue and relief efforts continue around the clock.
