The Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change, chaired by Senator Sherry Rehman, has sharply criticized the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for its inaction on the pollution of Rawal Dam, which is inundated with approximately 9 million gallons of untreated sewage daily. The polluted water poses a significant health risk to the residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
During a committee meeting held on Wednesday, Senator Rehman and other members expressed grave concerns about the supply of contaminated water from Rawal Dam, urging immediate measures to address the crisis. Senator Rehman highlighted the severe environmental and health hazards posed by the dam’s contamination, which includes sewage, toxic substances, and chemicals. She questioned whether the residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi would continue receiving this polluted water until sewage treatment plants are installed, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Senator Rehman criticized the CDA for failing to make substantial progress on installing sewage treatment plants, despite three years of tendering processes. “It’s unacceptable that after three years, we are still discussing treatment plants while human lives are at risk,” she remarked.
To address these concerns, Senator Rehman mandated that a water testing report for Rawal Dam be presented at the next committee meeting. Additionally, she formed a two-member sub-committee, headed by Senator Shahzaib Durrani, to inspect the pollution at Rawal Dam and submit a detailed report. This inspection aims to provide a clear assessment of the pollution levels and recommend immediate actions to mitigate the damage.
The chair also stressed the need for the CDA to disclose the cost of de-silting Rawal Dam, a critical step in maintaining its capacity and ensuring the quality of water supplied to residents. Senator Rehman called for the initiation of a “Recharge Rawal” project, emphasizing that all drainage channels carrying toxic waste into the dam must be stopped immediately.
Moreover, Senator Rehman directed the Ministry of Climate Change to provide a comprehensive report on the progress in renewable energy and fossil fuel sectors. She stressed that Pakistan cannot afford to lose further market influence and emphasized the importance of evaluating the sustainability of these industries, particularly through provincial cooperation. Ministry officials reported that $441 million had already been approved for the National Adaptation Plan, with a complete costing analysis expected by November 2024.
However, Senator Rehman expressed concern that climate change issues were not prioritized in the previous Economic Survey of Pakistan, noting that they were relegated to the margins rather than being integrated into the main report. She emphasized that in other countries, climate issues are central to policymaking, with future exports increasingly tied to environmental sustainability.
The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) was also highlighted as a critical issue. Senator Rehman noted the potential impact on Pakistan’s market access in the EU and called for provincial cooperation to ensure compliance with the new regulations. This would help mitigate any negative effects on the country’s industrial supply chain due to carbon footprint concerns.
Furthermore, the committee discussed Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, despite being a low emitter. Senator Rehman emphasized the country’s exposure to severe impacts, such as rapidly melting glaciers. While Pakistan’s concerns were voiced at COP27, she stressed the need for ongoing dialogue with stakeholders to keep the country’s climate challenges in focus. She pointed out that Pakistan was considered one of the hottest places during the summer, contributing to accelerated glacier melt. However, she expressed concern that climate financing often overlooks the need for mitigation efforts.
Senator Rehman also urged the government to prioritize community resilience in response to glacier melt, given Pakistan’s heavy reliance on glaciers for its water supply. She called for a detailed analysis of this issue and announced that the committee would visit Skardu to gain first-hand knowledge of glacier melt and evaluate the actions taken in response.
In addressing the broader climate agenda, Senator Rehman criticized the Ministry of Climate Change for lacking clarity regarding its responsibilities, evolution, compliance with international treaties, and overall scope of work. She pointed out that the Ministry suffers from a shortage of technical experts, which hinders its effectiveness. To address this, she suggested establishing a dedicated occupational group for Climate Change within the civil service, similar to other specialized groups, to ensure the Ministry has the depth and expertise required to tackle the country’s pressing environmental challenges.
In addition to the Rawal Dam pollution issue, Senator Rehman expressed disappointment over the ongoing use of single-use plastics in various ministries, despite previous directives to regulate them. “The ministry was instructed to brief on plastic regulations, but even today, no briefing has been given,” she stated, emphasizing the need for immediate action. “Take the committee’s orders seriously. If non-seriousness persists, strict action will be taken.”
The committee’s strong stance on both the unchecked pollution of Rawal Dam and the continued use of single-use plastics in government ministries reflects its commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and safeguarding public health.
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam, Member (Administration) CDA Talat Mahmood, and Senators Shahzib Durrani, Manzoor Ahmed Kakar, and Bushra Anjum Butt, among other senior officials from relevant departments.
