PAKISTAN is facing a freshwater crisis. The Rawal Lake reservoir is having many problems such as serious environmental degradation, water pollution and over-fishing. The Rawal Lake, an important freshwater artificial reservoir in Pakistan, meets water needs for the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

This reservoir lies within the isolated section of the Margalla Hills National Park on the eastern side of the capital city of Islamabad.

It was constructed 73 years ago. The inlet nullahs have been pouring high levels of contaminants that may deteriorate freshwater and terrestrial ecology.

The reservoir is also polluted by agricultural runoff, including pesticides, as well as by municipal and industrial wastewater of residential colonies or villages like Bani Gala, Bhara Kahu, Mallpur, and Noorpur Shahan.

Besides, there are 170 poultry farms and 360 poultry sheds in the catchment area which add to waste water.

Some recreational activities are another source of pollution and some boats also add oil and grease to the water.

However, human consumption of water from such sources may cause some serious health problems like diarrhoea, headache, tuberculosis, respiratory and skin diseases.

The CDA should look into the problem.

AKHTAR H. LASHARI
Islamabad