By Hina Kiyani
ISLAMABAD: Used syringes, medical waste and plastic debris were recovered from the banks of Rawal Lake during a clean-up drive organised ahead of World Environment Day, on Thursday, drawing attention to growing concerns over pollution at one of the capital’s main water reservoirs.
The campaign was organised by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) in collaboration with Nestlé Pakistan and hosted by the Punjab Small Dams Department as part of activities marking Environment Week.
According to officials, volunteers collected a substantial quantity of solid waste from the lake’s shoreline and adjoining areas. Among the waste recovered were discarded syringes and other medical materials, which environmental officials described as a serious threat to public health and the lake’s ecosystem. Participants included students, representatives of civil society organisations and members of the local community. Speaking on the occasion, Director General Pak-EPA said the presence of hospital waste and plastic pollution at the lake highlighted the need for sustained efforts to protect natural resources.
“This drive is about more than collecting waste; it is about reshaping our relationship with nature. The presence of hospital waste and plastics in Rawal Lake is a stark warning,” he said, urging citizens, particularly young people, to continue participating in environmental protection initiatives.
Pak-EPA officials said the campaign also sought to raise awareness about the dangers of improper disposal of medical waste and the impact of plastic pollution on freshwater ecosystems.
The agency’s spokesperson said environmental degradation was affecting air, water and soil quality across the country. He noted that vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, untreated wastewater and poor waste management practices were contributing to environmental challenges. Rawal Lake serves as an important water source for the twin cities and is also a popular recreational site. Environmental experts have long expressed concern over littering and pollution in and around the reservoir, warning that continued contamination could adversely affect both biodiversity and public health.
Officials said the clean-up drive formed part of broader efforts to encourage public participation in environmental conservation and promote responsible waste disposal practices.
World Environment Day is observed annually on June 5 to encourage awareness and action for the protection of the environment.
