ISLAMABAD: Namal Lake, once a thriving water body in Mianwali, is facing an existential threat due to ecological degradation and the construction of illegal mini dams by farmers in the surrounding catchment areas.
The lake, formed by the Namal Dam built by the British in 1913, has been a vital source of drinking water, irrigation, and a natural habitat for local and migratory birds.
However, over decades, Namal Lake’s surface area has shrunk from 5.5 square kilometers to a mere 2.2 square kilometers, primarily due to decreased inflows of water from its main catchment areas. The decline has been exacerbated by the construction of mini dams in the upstream areas, including the “Tarapi,” “Golar,” and “Raghera” nullahs, which have diverted water away from the lake. Additionally, changing weather patterns and decreasing rainfall have further contributed to the shrinking of this crucial water source.
The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has confirmed that the ongoing siltation and dam construction upstream are the primary factors contributing to the lake’s deterioration. The agency has also warned that without urgent restoration efforts, the lake could be wiped out completely. The Namal Lake Restoration and Management Plan 2022-2027 has proposed several measures to counteract the ecological decline, including silt removal, afforestation, biodiversity conservation, and the establishment of a robust monitoring mechanism.
In response to the environmental crisis, an overseas Pakistani, Saghir Ahmed, alongside community activists from Mianwali, launched the “Save Namal Lake” campaign. The campaign seeks to draw attention to the urgent need for restoration and has called on the Punjab Government to implement the proposed restoration plan. They also appealed to international environmental agencies for assistance.
The plight of Namal Lake has also garnered attention from political figures. Rana Ihsan Afzal, the Coordinator to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, intervened last month, writing to the relevant departments, including the Punjab Environment Protection Agency, urging them to take action to address the ongoing environmental crisis.
Namal Lake, once a crucial resource for local fishermen and boatsmen, also has the potential to become a thriving tourist destination, providing economic opportunities for locals. The lake’s scenic beauty could make it a popular stop for tourists traveling between Karachi, Islamabad, and the northern areas of Pakistan.
In addition to its economic potential, Namal Lake is also a designated game reserve by the Punjab Wildlife Department, which works to protect the local wildlife from illegal hunting. The Punjab Tourism Department is also expected to play a key role in enhancing tourism prospects for the area.
The “Save Namal Lake” campaign has strongly urged the authorities to prioritize the lake’s restoration to preserve its natural beauty and support the local economy.
