Medical waste found at Rawal Lake

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ISLAMABAD:

Used syringes, medical waste and plastic debris were recovered from the banks of Rawal Lake during a clean-up drive organised ahead of World Environment Day, on Thursday, drawing attention to growing concerns over pollution at one of the capital's main water reservoirs.

The campaign was organised by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) in collaboration with Nestlé Pakistan and hosted by the Punjab Small Dams Department as part of activities marking Environment Week.

According to officials, volunteers collected a substantial quantity of solid waste from the lake's shoreline and adjoining areas. Among the waste recovered were discarded syringes and other medical materials, which environmental officials described as a serious threat to public health and the lake's ecosystem.

Participants included students, representatives of civil society organisations and members of the local community. Speaking on the occasion, Director General Pak-EPA said the presence of hospital waste and plastic pollution at the lake highlighted the need for sustained efforts to protect natural resources.