Authorities in Rawalpindi have taken strict measures to tackle the growing water crisis, directing all car wash stations in the district to install wastewater recycling systems. The decision was made due to water shortages caused by ongoing drought conditions.
465 car wash stations have received official notices from the Environmental Protection and Climate Change Department. Additionally, the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC), Rawalpindi Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), and the District Council administration have issued similar instructions. Private tube well and bore well owners have also been notified, with a deadline of February 28 to comply with the new regulations.
However, the owners of car wash stations are not happy with this sudden requirement. Many argue that setting up water recycling systems is too expensive and difficult in such a short time. They have appealed to the government for interest-free loans to help them meet the new standards.
Asghar Khan, Vice President of the Car Wash Service Station Union, pointed out that car wash businesses in Rawalpindi clean between 20 and 50 cars every day. He questioned how small-scale service stations would manage such a costly upgrade. Instead of enforcing strict rules, he suggested that the government should focus on building more dams to improve the water supply in the long run.
Meanwhile, officials have made it clear that violations will not be tolerated. Automatic car washes will be completely banned, and those who ignore the rule will face a fine of Rs. 100,000. Additionally, using high-pressure motors for washing cars will result in a Rs. 10,000 fine.
The implementation of these measures has already begun, with authorities promising strict enforcement to ensure compliance.
