Islamabad Faces Severe Water Challenge as Population Growth Raises Concerns

ISLAMABAD: The population of Islamabad is projected to reach 12 million if all zones are fully developed, putting a significant strain on the city’s already limited water resources.

According to sources, the federal capital’s population has been growing at a rate of over five percent annually, and with the development of 84,000 acres of housing, it will exceed the current population of the capital, creating serious challenges to meet the city’s future water demands.

To address these challenges, according to sources, French consultants recently suggested that the city’s population growth should be raised while considering the available water resources.

Furthermore, the urban planning wing of the civic agency has proposed accommodating the growing population in high-rise buildings, rather than expanding the city’s boundaries to accommodate housing societies.

The experts suggest that to ensure sustainable development, the civic agency must implement strategies that focus on efficient water use and management, such as water conservation measures, water recycling, and rainwater harvesting.

Additionally, the agency must consider investing in new water sources, such as desalination and wastewater reuse, they noted.

The civic agency is also planning to ensure that the high-rise buildings are designed to meet the needs of the people and the environment, with green spaces, energy efficiency, and sustainable transportation options.

The provision of adequate infrastructure, water resources, and facilities are also on the cards of the civic body to support the city’s growing population.