A dire water crisis has gripped Rawalpindi, a major Pakistani city just 300 kilometers from the Indian border, after India reportedly shut the gates of Baglihar and Sial Dams in Jammu & Kashmir. As a result, the Chenab River’s water level has plummeted — falling from 22 feet to 15 feet in just 24 hours — sparking panic across Pakistan’s Punjab province.
Emergency Declared in Rawalpindi
The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) has declared a "water emergency" in Rawalpindi amid severe shortages. According to reports, Khanpur Dam has only 30 days’ worth of water left, while Rawal Dam may last for three months at most. Currently, the city needs 50 million gallons of water daily but is only receiving 30 million gallons, leaving a massive shortfall of 20 million gallons.
24 Cities on High Alert, Over 3 Crore Affected
The impact isn’t limited to Rawalpindi. The falling Chenab water level has triggered a potential water crisis in 24 cities of Punjab, threatening over 30 million people. Officials say the combination of drought, growing population, and booming commercial activities has pushed water reserves to the brink.
Strict Crackdown on Water Waste
To control the situation, WASA has banned water wastage and is now taking legal action against violators. Citizens are being urged to:
- Fix leaking taps and pipes immediately
- Minimize bathing time
- Use washing machines and dishwashers at full capacity only
- Reuse water for plants
- Avoid washing cars and pavements with hosepipes
No Rain in Sight – Experts Fear Worse to Come
Pakistan's Meteorological Department has warned of below-average rainfall across Punjab in the coming weeks, which means no major relief is expected. With dams drying up and dependence on tube wells increasing, experts are warning of a full-scale urban water disaster if immediate action isn’t taken.
