ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Climate Change said that more efforts should be made to recharge the groundwater in Islamabad.
He said that expanding groundwater recharge initiatives is essential in Islamabad as the capital’s water table continues to decline rapidly.
Federal Climate Change Minister Musadik Masood Malik said recharge efforts currently remain insufficient to offset groundwater depletion.
He said groundwater levels had declined by around 1.5 metres, while existing recharge efforts had raised levels by only 0.4 millimetres.
Speaking at an event titled “Protecting Islamabad’s Aquifers,” the minister highlighted the need for stronger measures to protect the capital’s water resources.
He said nearly 200 recharge wells had been constructed across Islamabad as part of a pilot programme.
However, Musadik described the initiative as an important achievement but stressed that it could not solve the problem alone.
He called for substantially expanding the programme to slow groundwater depletion and eventually reverse the declining trend.
Rainfall highlights water management challenges
Meanwhile, Musadik said Islamabad recently received around 200 millimetres of rainfall, causing flooding in several areas.
He called for improved management of both surface water and groundwater to reduce the impact of heavy rainfall.
The minister said relevant authorities had received directions to respond to flooding and related challenges.
He also said treatment facilities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi were helping reduce water contamination.
However, he stressed that authorities must continue monitoring and improving water quality.
Musadik also highlighted delays in establishing another water treatment plant despite several previous tendering attempts.
He said the project had remained pending for years but recently entered the tendering process again.
Government seeks stronger water policies
The minister stressed the importance of international treaties and legal mechanisms in protecting Pakistan’s water interests.
He said respecting international agreements remains essential for regional stability and protecting countries dependent on shared water resources.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Climate Change has established a Clean Environment Fund to attract private-sector investment in environmental projects.
Musadik also supported legislation requiring new housing schemes and communities to introduce groundwater recharge measures.
He said rooftop recharge systems could help strengthen Islamabad’s aquifers and improve long-term water management.
Federal Minister said the government was committed to protecting groundwater resources with investment and coordinated action.
