Minister urges expansion of groundwater recharge efforts in Islamabad -

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Dr Musadik Masood Malik has called for expanding groundwater recharge initiatives in Islamabad as the capital continues to face a decline in its underground water reserves.

Speaking at an event titled “Protecting Islamabad’s Aquifers” at the USEFP Auditorium on Tuesday, the minister said about 200 recharge wells had been constructed in Islamabad as part of a pilot initiative. He stressed that the programme needed to be expanded to have a meaningful impact on groundwater levels.

Dr Musadik said the recharge measures had resulted in an estimated 0.4-millimetre rise in the water table, compared with a decline of around 1.5 metres. He said the initiative was an important step but could not be considered a complete solution to the city’s groundwater depletion.

The minister also called for better management of surface and groundwater following heavy rainfall in Islamabad, where around 200 millimetres of rain had been recorded. Several areas were affected by flooding, prompting authorities and relevant organisations to respond to the situation.

He also raised concerns over water quality, noting that treatment facilities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi were helping reduce contamination. However, he stressed the need for continued monitoring and improvement of water quality.

Dr Musadik said the establishment of an additional water treatment plant had faced delays for several years despite repeated tendering. He said the project had recently moved forward, with the tendering process now under way, while noting that delays in development projects were not confined to the Capital Development Authority and occurred across government departments.

Discussing wider water security, the minister stressed the importance of international treaties and legal mechanisms in protecting Pakistan’s water interests. He said respect for international agreements was essential for stability and for safeguarding the rights of countries that depend on shared water resources.

Dr Musadik also highlighted the newly established Clean Environment Fund, which will involve private-sector participation and due diligence to support environmental initiatives. He said the government wanted to encourage innovative solutions and greater private-sector involvement in tackling environmental challenges.

The minister further backed legislation to promote groundwater recharge in new housing schemes and communities, as well as through rooftop initiatives. He said protecting groundwater resources was essential for safeguarding communities and ensuring sustainable water availability. – ERMD

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