Chief Commissioner and Chairman of Capital Development Authority (CDA), Muhammad Ali Randhawa, took notice after media reports of increased fish mortality in Rawal Dam. A team led by Member Environment and Administration, Talat Gondal, was dispatched to the dam to investigate the matter. The team, accompanied by officials from the Environment Protection Department, collected water samples from the dam, which have been sent to the Environment Protection Department, Punjab Fisheries Department, and Fisheries Research Institute of NARC, Islamabad, for analysis. The departments are expected to submit their reports within two days. Preliminary observations suggest that the fish mortality occurred in the last week of July, and the dead fish have since been removed. The situation has improved, and the CDA has initiated the process to address the issue permanently. An expression of interest has been invited for the installation of a sewerage treatment plant upstream to prevent water contamination. The CDA has ensured close monitoring of the situation, with Watch and Ward Staff deputed at the dam to report on any further occurrences of fish mortality.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan