ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Masood Malik on Tuesday called for scaling up groundwater recharge initiatives in Islamabad to address the continued decline in the capital’s groundwater reserves.
Addressing an event titled “Protecting Islamabad’s Aquifers” at the USEFP Auditorium, the minister said around 200 recharge wells had been constructed in the capital as an important pilot initiative, which needed to be expanded.
He said the estimated increase in the water table as a result of the recharge interventions was 0.4 millimetres, compared with a decline of around 1.5 metres.
Dr Musadik stressed that recharge efforts should be expanded to a level where groundwater depletion could be reduced and, eventually, the declining trend in the water table could be reversed.
He said the recharge-well initiative was an important achievement, but it should not be considered the final solution.
The minister also underlined the need for improved management of surface and groundwater following recent heavy rainfall in Islamabad. He said around 200 millimetres of rainfall had been recorded in the capital.
Referring to the flooding situation, Dr Musadik said several areas had been affected, and relevant authorities and organisations had been directed to respond to the situation.
The minister expressed concern over water quality, saying treatment facilities were operating in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. He said the treatment plants helped reduce contamination in treated water, while emphasising the need for continued attention to water quality.
Dr Musadik also pointed to delays in establishing an additional water treatment plant, saying the project had remained pending for several years despite repeated tendering.
He said delays in the implementation of development projects were not limited to the Capital Development Authority (CDA), adding that such delays could be observed across government departments.
The minister said progress had recently been made on the project as the tendering process was under way.
Dr Musadik also spoke about the importance of protecting Pakistan’s water interests and the role of international treaties and legal mechanisms in ensuring water security.
He said respect for international agreements was important for maintaining stability and protecting the rights of countries dependent on shared water resources.
The minister said Pakistan would continue to protect its water interests and stressed the importance of a rules-based international system.
Dr Musadik said the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination had established a Clean Environment Fund, which would involve private-sector participation and due diligence to support environmental initiatives.
He said the government wanted to encourage innovative approaches and greater private-sector involvement in addressing environmental challenges.
The minister also supported legislative measures to promote groundwater recharge in new communities and housing schemes, as well as on rooftops.
Dr Musadik said protecting water resources was essential for safeguarding communities and ensuring sustainable water availability.
He reiterated the government’s support for initiatives aimed at protecting Islamabad’s aquifers and improving water management.
