Climate minister wants groundwater recharge initiatives ramped up in Islamabad

Islamabad's Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr Musadik Masood Malik, has called for an increase in groundwater recharge efforts within the city to counteract the ongoing drop in the city's groundwater reserves. During a gathering titled "Protecting Islamabad’s Aquifers" at the USEFP Auditorium, the minister announced that around 200 recharge wells had been put into operation as a pilot project, which needed further expansion.

According to Dr Musadik, the estimated rise in water table from these interventions was 0.4 millimeters, in contrast to the 1.5 meters decline. He emphasized that recharge activities must be substantially increased to lessen groundwater depletion and ultimately reverse the declining pattern. The minister stressed that the recharge-well project was a noteworthy accomplishment but should not be viewed as the ultimate solution.

He also stressed the requirement for better handling of surface and groundwater following Islamabad's recent heavy rainfall, which amounted to approximately 200 millimeters. Referring to flooding, Dr Musadik stated that several regions had been impacted, and the relevant authorities and organizations were directed to respond to the problem.

He expressed concern over water quality and said that treatment facilities were functioning in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The minister stressed the necessity for ongoing attention to water quality. He also brought up the issue of delays in establishing an additional water treatment plant, stating that the project had been stuck for years despite repeated tenders.

He said that delays in implementing development projects were not limited to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and could be seen across government departments. The minister discussed the significance of safeguarding Pakistan's water interests and the function of international treaties and legal tools in ensuring water security.

He emphasized that adhering to international agreements was crucial for preserving stability and protecting the rights of nations dependent on shared water resources. The minister said Pakistan would continue to safeguard its water interests and emphasized the importance of a rules-based international system. Dr Musadik Malik also mentioned that the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination had set up a Clean Environment Fund, which would involve private-sector cooperation and due diligence to support environmental projects.