Water Pollution and Depletion of Groundwater in Lahore: A Looming Crisis
Progressive Climate Foundation - PCF
Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) | The Climate Activists of Pakistan | A Youth-Led Movement on Climate Change.
Lahore, once renowned for its vibrant canals and fertile lands, is now grappling with a severe water crisis fueled by pollution and rapid groundwater depletion. Recent reports from the Punjab Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) reveal alarming trends. As of January 2025, the Ravi River, Lahore’s primary water source, remains heavily contaminated with untreated industrial effluents and municipal sewage.
A 2024 study by the World Resources Institute (WRI) found that over 60% of Lahore’s groundwater samples tested positive for hazardous chemicals, including heavy metals like lead and arsenic, posing serious health risks to millions of residents.
The situation is further exacerbated by the unchecked extraction of groundwater. According to WASA’s report, the water table in Lahore is dropping by approximately 2.5 to 3 feet annually, with some areas experiencing even steeper declines. The installation of tens of thousands of private boreholes, coupled with inadequate rainwater harvesting systems, has left the city’s aquifers critically depleted. Experts warn that if current trends continue, Lahore could face a "Day Zero" scenario, where groundwater reserves are entirely exhausted within the next decade.
Despite these dire warnings, efforts to address the crisis remain insufficient. While the Punjab government launched the "Clean Ravi Project" in 2021, progress has been slow, with only 30% of the targeted wastewater treatment capacity achieved by January 2025.
Environmental activists and urban planners are urging immediate action, including stricter regulations on industrial waste, large-scale afforestation to recharge aquifers, and public awareness campaigns to promote water conservation.
Without urgent intervention, Lahore’s water crisis will not only threaten public health but also undermine the city’s economic and environmental sustainability for future generation.
Fatima Riaz, the writer is a member of the Progressive Climate Foundation - PCF
"Lahore’s water crisis is a ticking time bomb! ???? Groundwater depletion and pollution threaten the city’s future. Urgent action is needed to implement sustainable solutions before it's too late!
social organizer
3 周Interesting
Climate Justice Activist | Police Officer at NHMP ?? | District Coordinator Peshawar at Progressive Climate Foundation
3 周I agree
Regional Secretary Chakwal at Progressive Climate Foundation - PCF | Climate Justice Activist | Content Writer | Police Officer NHMP
3 周Insightful
librarian at Saudi Aramco Recreation Library
3 周Progressive Climate Foundation - PCF this water issue not only Lahore in other cities also struggling for water like Rawalpindi the ground water level below 700 feet and the local government put 10k fines if some one is using unnecessary water to wash cars and house.