By Dr. Zawwar Hussain
Pakistan’s environmental crisis is no longer a distant concern confined to scientific reports or climate discussions. It is becoming visible in the changing landscapes, declining water resources and disappearing green spaces across the country. Among the clearest examples of this growing challenge is Rawal Lake, a vital natural asset that has long served as a source of drinking water for Islamabad and Rawalpindi while supporting biodiversity, regulating the local climate and preserving the ecological character of the Potohar Plateau.
The alarming decline in tree cover around Rawal Lake has highlighted the fragile relationship between human development and environmental sustainability. Recent satellite observations have shown that nearly half of the surrounding tree cover has disappeared over the past two decades. The loss represents far more than the disappearance of trees. It reflects the wider pressures of deforestation, unplanned urban expansion, pollution and climate change that are reshaping Pakistan’s natural environment.
A comparison of satellite imagery from 2004 and 2024 released by the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) revealed a significant reduction in the green belt surrounding the reservoir. The images also indicated changes in the appearance of the lake’s water, suggesting increasing stress on the aquatic ecosystem caused by pollution, sedimentation and human activity. The use of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies has provided scientific evidence of how quickly natural landscapes are being altered.
Rawal Lake occupies a unique geographical position. Located southeast of Islamabad, the reservoir was created in 1962 through the construction of a dam on the Korangi River. Covering around 8.8 square kilometers with a catchment area of nearly 275 square kilometers, the lake remains an important part of the capital region’s environmental identity. Surrounded by the Margalla Hills National Park, Shakarparian and the wider Potohar landscape, it represents a delicate ecological system where forests, water resources and wildlife exist in close connection.
The decline of forests around Rawal Lake is particularly concerning because Pakistan already has one of the lowest levels of forest cover in the world. Various estimates suggest that forests account for less than five percent of the country’s total land area, far below the level considered necessary for ecological stability. Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that increasing forest cover is essential for protecting biodiversity, regulating temperatures and maintaining water security.
Trees are not simply natural decorations; they are fundamental components of the water cycle. Their roots hold soil together, reduce erosion, improve groundwater recharge and protect reservoirs from excessive sediment accumulation. When forests disappear, rainfall carries greater quantities of soil and pollutants into water bodies. Over time, this process reduces storage capacity, increases the risk of flooding and accelerates the decline of water quality.
The environmental consequences extend beyond Rawal Lake itself. Trees play a critical role in absorbing carbon dioxide and reducing the impact of climate change. Their disappearance contributes to higher greenhouse gas concentrations, worsening air quality and rising temperatures. Islamabad, once internationally recognized for its greenery and planned landscapes, faces the risk of losing its environmental character as concrete replaces forests and natural spaces.
This challenge comes at a time when Pakistan is already among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. More frequent heatwaves, intense rainfall events, floods, droughts and forest fires have exposed the country’s limited capacity to withstand environmental shocks. The destruction of forests and wetlands weakens natural defences against these threats by reducing carbon storage, affecting rainfall patterns and limiting groundwater replenishment.
Rawal Lake is also an important habitat for wildlife. Its ecosystem supports fish species, aquatic plants, insects, mammals and a wide variety of birds. During winter, migratory birds travel from Central Asia to the lake, making it a valuable site for biodiversity conservation. However, pollution, deforestation, construction pressure and human disturbance are gradually damaging this ecological balance.
The changing colour of the lake’s water provides another warning sign. Scientists use water colour variations through satellite monitoring to assess levels of suspended sediments, algae growth, organic material and pollution. The presence of untreated sewage, industrial waste, agricultural chemicals and plastic pollution reduces water transparency, affects oxygen levels and threatens aquatic life.
Recent cleaning activities around Rawal Lake have exposed the seriousness of the waste management problem. The discovery of medical waste, used syringes, plastic materials and other hazardous waste along the shoreline reflects a failure of environmental responsibility. Such pollution not only damages ecosystems but also creates risks for public health by introducing harmful substances and pathogens into the environment.
Urban growth has added another layer of pressure. Islamabad and Rawalpindi have expanded rapidly, with housing schemes, roads and commercial developments replacing natural areas. As green spaces disappear, rainwater absorption decreases, resulting in greater surface runoff, urban flooding and pressure on groundwater supplies. Development without ecological planning ultimately creates new challenges for the very cities it aims to improve.
(The writer is a PhD scholar with a strong research and analytical background and can be reached at news@metro-Morning.com)
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