Islamabad: The Rawal Lake park site has lost nearly 50 percent of its tree cover over the last two decades, according to satellite images released by the Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco).
The images compare the densely vegetated Lake View Point in 2004 with the same area in 2024, which is now marked by extensive human activity. The comparison highlights the environmental cost of unplanned urban expansion in Islamabad.
Water Colour Shows Visible Change
The satellite imagery also shows a noticeable change in the colour of the dam’s water, from a greenish hue in 2004 to a significantly darker, blackish shade in 2024.
Some environmentalists believe the darker colour could be linked to algae growth. However, they also say that large volumes of sewage flowing into Rawal Dam from upstream areas and surrounding settlements over the years are likely contributing to the change.
Hazardous Waste Discovered During Cleanup
During the first week of June, the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) discovered hazardous waste while conducting a cleanup drive along the shores of Rawal Lake.
Cleanup teams found discarded syringes, hospital waste, and large quantities of plastic items, highlighting the severe pollution threatening the lake’s ecosystem.
Speaking to Dawn, Pak-EPA Director Dr. Zaigham Abbas said there was no question that pollution was entering the lake.
He added that his office had planned to plant 500,000 seed balls at various locations across the capital, including areas surrounding Rawal Lake, describing it as one of the largest monsoon plantation drives.
‘Violation of Ecological Justice’
A senior official at the Ministry of Climate Change described Islamabad’s situation as more than a planning failure.
The official said, “Islamabad’s crisis is not merely a failure in urban planning but a violation of ecological justice and fundamental rights. The polluted water of Rawal Lake impacts the health of the surrounding fauna and flora.”
Two Decades of Commercialisation
Over the past 20 years, Lake View Park has witnessed the development of numerous recreational facilities, including barbecue points, Formula Karting and off-road tracks, a golf club, horse riding facilities, a dedicated food street, a paintball battlefield, Moj Mela Park, a carnival park, a children’s play area, and two large parking spaces.
Data Highlights Tree Cover Loss
According to Global Forest Watch (GFW), an initiative of the World Resources Institute (WRI), Islamabad lost 14 hectares of tree cover between 2001 and 2025.
The loss represents 0.46 percent of the tree cover recorded in 2000 and resulted in 6.0 kilotonnes of carbon emissions.
GFW data further shows that 77 percent of Islamabad’s tree cover loss during this period occurred in areas where the dominant drivers were linked to deforestation.
Settlements and infrastructure accounted for 4 hectares of tree cover loss, while another 4 hectares were lost due to permanent agriculture. Wildfires and logging were identified as temporary causes of forest cover loss.
When contacted for comment, the spokesperson for the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the civic body’s Director General Environment did not answer their phones. Source: DAWN
