Hazardous waste found on Rawal Lake shores during clean-up drive

A clean-up drive on the shores of Rawal Lake has uncovered significant hazardous waste, including discarded syringes and hospital refuse, alongside large quantities of plastic items. The discovery underscores the severe pollution threatening the lake's ecosystem.

The Pakistan Environment Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) organized the initiative in collaboration with Nestle Pakistan as part of World Environment Day celebrations. Hosted by the Small Dams Department of the Punjab government, the campaign was a flagship activity for Environment Week, aligning with the global theme "Inspired by Nature, for Climate, for our future."

The clean-up effort mobilized a broad range of participants, including volunteers, students from schools and universities, civil society organizations, and members of the local community. Their systematic collection of waste from the surrounding areas and the lake's shoreline aimed to address the immediate pollution problem and raise awareness.

The campaign's focus extended beyond mere waste collection; it sought to highlight the urgent environmental challenges facing Rawal Lake and inspire action for its preservation. The presence of hazardous materials points to ongoing issues with waste management and its impact on natural water bodies.