As the twin cities face growing concerns over water scarcity and erratic supply, experts are calling for comprehensive ground surveys to validate Rawalpindi’s Water Security Index (WSI), a key metric used to assess the sustainability and resilience of the city’s water resources.
“WSI, which is a composite measure of water availability, quality, governance, and infrastructure, plays a vital role in urban planning, resource allocation, and policymaking. However, without up-to-date, ground-level data, the index risks painting an inaccurate picture of the city’s water situation,” say officials and researchers. “Rawalpindi has a unique water profile — it relies on a combination of surface water from Khanpur Dam, groundwater from tube wells, and water sourced through inter-city sharing arrangements. These dynamics are constantly shifting due to climate change, urbanization, and population growth. To truly understand where we stand, we need consistent ground surveys that can capture real-time realities on water usage, contamination levels, and distribution efficiency,” says Dr. Nadia Zaidi, an environmental scientist.
“Recent reports by the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) have warned of a steady decline in groundwater levels in Rawalpindi, exacerbated by unregulated extraction and inefficient water use. Meanwhile, many areas of the city, especially in low-income and peri-urban neighborhoods, continue to face erratic supply, forcing residents to rely on expensive private water tankers,” says Ali Akbar.