WASA claims poison not found in Rawal Dam, water supply to Rawalpindi remains suspended

ISLAMABAD The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) on Saturday stated that poison had not been found in the water of Rawal Dam. 

WASA’s denial came after a large number of fish died at the Rawal Dam and a First Information Report (FIR) had been filed against a local mafia for pouring poison into the dam.

Following the development, water supply to Rawalpindi was suspended on the request of WASA. 

According to WASA, a 24/7 tanker service would to used for water supply in Rawalpindi, adding that supply would be increased from Khanpur Dam. 

The administration officials added that fish and water samples are being tested and supply to the city will resume after the report has been completed.  

A First Information Report (FIR) was registered against the local mafia for pouring of the substance. 

According to the FIR lodged by the Punjab Fisheries Department, people from the mafia were stopped from fishing and boating in the dam as it is banned. Subsequently, states the report, the irked mafia added poisonous substance to the water that has killed nearly 240 tonnes of fishes so far.

It is said the accused mafia is backed by local politicians.

Pakistan Army personnel also reached the site to collect water samples. 

However, the case was filed at Secretariat police station, while the relevant authorities have taken water samples from the dam.  

When contacted the spokesperson for WASA, which is responsible for supplying water to Rawalpindi, said they test water samples from Rawal Dam every day and so far nothing has been found regarding poisonous substance being present in the dam. 

The dam provides an estimated 24 million gallons of water to Rawalpindi daily.