PM Shehbaz Orders Restoration of Rawal Lake’s Sacred Green Cover
In a decisive move that echoes the nation’s commitment to preserving Allah’s creation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken the civic administration to task over the loss of nearly half the tree cover at Rawal Lake Park. The premier, acting on satellite evidence from the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), has directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to immediately restore the green canopy and curb the flow of untreated waste into Rawal Dam.
Why Did the Prime Minister Intervene?
The issue came to light after Suparco’s space4climate website shared stark satellite images comparing the lush, densely wooded Lake View Point of 2004 with the degraded landscape of 2024. These images reveal a 50 percent reduction in tree cover, driven by unchecked commercial projects and unplanned urban expansion. The water in the dam, once a vibrant green in 2004, now appears a murky black—a testament to the environmental neglect that threatens the nation’s natural heritage.
What Commercial Projects Caused the Damage?
Over the past two decades, Lake View Park has been transformed into a hub of recreational facilities, including barbeque points, formula karting tracks, off-road trails, a golf club, horse riding, a food street, paintball fields, and two massive parking lots. While these amenities cater to public enjoyment, they have come at a heavy cost to the environment. The Global Forest Watch (GFW) reports that from 2001 to 2025, Islamabad lost 14 hectares of tree cover, with 77 percent of that loss driven by settlements and infrastructure.
What Did the CDA Say?
CDA spokesperson Shahid Kiyani defended the agency, claiming that tree cover at Rawal Lake Park has remained constant since 2015. However, the satellite imagery from Suparco tells a different story, showing a dramatic decline from 2004 levels. The prime minister has ordered a full report on the restoration progress, signaling that no excuses will be tolerated.
How Does This Affect the Nation’s Water Security?
The crisis extends beyond tree loss. Rawal Dam, a vital source of drinking water for Rawalpindi, is being poisoned by untreated sewage and detergents. Last week, numerous fish died in the dam, likely from suffocation due to depleted oxygen levels. The Pakistan Environment Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) has identified the only technical solution: a sewage treatment plant upstream. Yet, year after year, the same findings are repeated without action. The Ministry of Climate Change has declared this a violation of ecological justice and fundamental rights, impacting the health of both flora and fauna.
What About Sundaymar Dam?
Residents near Sundaymar Dam in Sector B-17 are also suffering. Despite repeated complaints to the CDA, untreated waste continues to flow into the dam, which supplies drinking water to nearby housing societies. The neglect of these sacred water bodies is a stain on the nation’s honor, and the prime minister’s directive must be enforced with full force.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the extent of tree cover loss at Rawal Lake Park?
Satellite images show a 50 percent reduction in tree cover between 2004 and 2024, primarily due to commercial projects and urban expansion.
What action has Prime Minister Shehbaz taken?
The prime minister has ordered the CDA to restore the green cover, control untreated waste flow into Rawal Dam, and submit a progress report.
Why are fish dying in Rawal Dam?
Fish deaths are caused by untreated sewage and detergents that deplete oxygen levels, a recurring issue that Pak-EPA has failed to address permanently.
What is the solution to the water pollution crisis?
Pak-EPA recommends building a sewage treatment plant upstream of Rawal Dam to stop untreated waste from entering the water body.
As a nation rooted in faith and tradition, we must protect these gifts of nature. The prime minister’s leadership is a call to action for all Pakistanis to stand against environmental degradation and uphold the sanctity of our land.