Officials yet to comment as reports raise questions over repeated fish deaths at reservoir
RAWALPINDI: A large number of dead fish were found floating in Rawal Dam on Wednesday, prompting renewed concerns over the recurring incidents at one of the twin cities’ key water reservoirs.
According to local reports, dead fish surfaced across several sections of the dam and accumulated near the shoreline, attracting the attention of residents and visitors. Workers were seen removing the fish from the water as cleanup operations continued for a second consecutive day.
Sources alleged that the incident may be linked to the use of poisonous substances by a contractor responsible for fisheries management at the dam. However, these claims have not been independently verified, and no official investigation has yet confirmed the cause of the fish deaths.
Administration yet to issue findings
The Rawalpindi administration oversees contracts related to fisheries and water management at Rawal Dam. Despite the latest incident, officials had not announced any enforcement action or released preliminary findings regarding the reported fish deaths at the time of reporting.
Environmental observers have called for a thorough investigation to determine whether pollution, chemical contamination, disease, low oxygen levels or any other environmental factors contributed to the incident. They stressed that identifying the exact cause is essential to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Calls for environmental monitoring
The repeated appearance of dead fish has raised concerns among local residents about the ecological health of the reservoir and the protection of aquatic life. Environmental experts say comprehensive water quality testing and regular monitoring are necessary to safeguard the dam’s ecosystem.
Meanwhile, the Islamabad district administration continues to oversee separate operations related to boating activities and spillway management at Rawal Dam. Authorities have not indicated whether those measures are connected to the latest incident.
Officials are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the fish deaths before determining whether any regulatory violations occurred. Residents and environmental groups have urged the relevant authorities to release the findings of any inquiry promptly to ensure transparency and protect the reservoir’s environmental integrity.
