A new report by the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources has revealed alarming levels of pollution in rivers flowing into Pakistan from India, warning that the Ravi River and Sutlej River are carrying toxic metals and harmful pollutants across the border.

The report also highlights serious contamination in drinking water sources in Islamabad, where a significant portion of the water supply has been declared unsafe for human consumption.

Experts say the findings raise urgent concerns about water security, public health, and environmental protection in Pakistan.

---

Cross-Border River Pollution Concerns

The report indicates that eastern rivers flowing from India into Pakistan are becoming a major source of environmental contamination.

These rivers, particularly the Ravi and Sutlej, travel through heavily industrialized regions before entering Pakistan. As a result, pollutants, untreated industrial waste, and toxic metals can accumulate in the water.

Researchers examined cross-border pollution patterns in the Ravi and Sutlej rivers along with connected drainage channels to determine the level of contamination entering Pakistan’s water system.

The findings reveal that cross-border pollution is contributing significantly to water quality deterioration in downstream areas.

---

Toxic Metals Detected in Ravi and Sutlej Rivers

According to the PCRWR report, high levels of harmful metals were detected in the water of the Ravi River.

Scientists found that contaminants are entering Pakistan through upstream sources, including industrial discharge and untreated wastewater flowing into the river before it crosses the border.

Similarly, water samples collected from the Sutlej River also contained toxic metals that were traced to water flowing into Pakistan from across the border.

Environmental experts warn that the presence of heavy metals in river water can pose serious risks to ecosystems and human health.

These metals can accumulate in aquatic life, agricultural soil, and drinking water sources, potentially affecting food safety and public health.

---

Impact on Pakistan’s Water Ecosystem

Pakistan relies heavily on river systems for agriculture, drinking water, and ecosystem stability.

Pollution entering through transboundary rivers can affect multiple sectors, including:

• Agriculture and irrigation systems
• Aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity
• Drinking water supply for cities
• Public health and sanitation

When toxic metals enter water bodies, they can remain in the ecosystem for long periods, causing long-term environmental damage.

Environmentalists say stronger regional cooperation is needed to address cross-border pollution and protect shared river systems.

---

Islamabad’s Drinking Water Crisis

The report also highlights serious concerns about drinking water quality in Islamabad.

According to PCRWR findings, 34 percent of the drinking water in Islamabad has been declared polluted and hazardous for human consumption.

The contamination could expose residents to harmful substances that increase the risk of waterborne diseases and long-term health problems.

Experts stress the importance of improving water treatment systems and regular monitoring to ensure safe drinking water for residents of the capital city.

---

Pollution in Simli and Rawal Dams

Two major water reservoirs supplying Islamabad have also shown alarming pollution levels.

Water testing revealed that 69 percent of the water in the Simli Dam is no longer drinkable due to contamination.

Meanwhile, 44 percent of the water supplied from Rawal Dam has also been declared unsafe for consumption.

These dams are key sources of drinking water for Islamabad and Rawalpindi, making the findings particularly concerning.

The report further noted that issues were detected in the performance of the water purification system at Rawal Dam, which could be contributing to the problem.

---

Drainage System Contamination

In addition to rivers and reservoirs, pollution levels were also found to be high in the drainage system of Islamabad.

Researchers confirmed 74 percent pollution in various drains of the city, indicating that untreated waste and sewage are entering water channels.

This contamination can eventually flow into larger water bodies, worsening overall water quality in the region.

Environmental experts say improved wastewater management and stricter environmental regulations are essential to prevent further contamination.

---

Health Risks from Contaminated Water

Unsafe drinking water can lead to serious health problems for communities.

Exposure to contaminated water may increase the risk of:

• Waterborne diseases
• Heavy metal poisoning
• Gastrointestinal illnesses
• Long-term organ damage

Public health specialists warn that vulnerable groups, including children and elderly individuals, may face higher health risks.

Ensuring access to clean drinking water is therefore a critical public health priority.

---

Need for Stronger Water Monitoring

Experts recommend stronger monitoring and water management systems to address the growing pollution crisis.

Possible solutions include:

• Improved water quality monitoring
• Modern water treatment technologies
• Regional cooperation on transboundary water pollution
• Stronger enforcement of environmental laws

Authorities may also need to upgrade purification facilities and implement stricter controls on industrial waste discharge.

---

Regional Water Management Challenges

Pakistan shares several major rivers with neighboring countries, making water management a complex issue.

Environmental experts say addressing cross-border river pollution requires regional cooperation and transparent data sharing.

International frameworks for transboundary water management could help reduce pollution and protect shared water resources.

---

Conclusion

The latest report by the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources highlights a growing environmental challenge for Pakistan.

Toxic metals entering through the Ravi and Sutlej rivers, combined with increasing pollution in Islamabad’s water supply sources, present serious risks for both public health and environmental sustainability.

Experts warn that urgent action is required to improve water monitoring systems, strengthen purification infrastructure, and address cross-border pollution to ensure safe drinking water for millions of people.