Rawalpindi:
The worsening of drought and a 42 percent decrease in the rain have caused groundwater levels in Rawalpindi to fall to a critical depth of 800 feet.
In response, the Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change has imposed an immediate prohibition to the use of tube, wells and boring water wells for the construction of buildings, houses and squares.
The offenders will face a fine of RS10,000, the department said.
In addition, strict directives have been issued to close all illegal and unveiled car wash service stations.
To enforce these measures, the Department of Environmental Protection and Climate Change, the Rawalpindi Water and Sanitation Agencies (WASA), the Municipal Corporations and the District Councils have begun operations against the car wash stations.
The authorities have issued formal notices at 3,500 service stations in the city of Rawalpindi, the areas of the District Council and the entire division, instructing them to voluntarily comply with the new restrictions before February 28.
The repression will begin on Monday, with a separate operation aimed at the facilities of the water recycling system from March 3.
Immediate measures will also be taken to avoid unnecessary water waste.
