ISLAMABAD: The recent fish die-off in Rawal Dam has raised alarm bells as the reservoir’s water levels continue to drop drastically.

Recently, numerous dead fish have been discovered along the dam’s banks. While the official cause of death has not yet been determined, locals attribute it to potential factors such as low water level, drought and heatwave.

Earlier in 2017, a similar incident occurred in which thousands of fish died in the dam allegedly due to poisoned water. The police had registered an FIR in this regard following claims that poison had been mixed in the water deliberately by someone to settle scores.

An Islamabad Capital Territory officer, speaking to Dawn, noted that while the dam is under the administrative control of the Small Dams Organisation Punjab, he collected information on the death of the fish. He said only a few fish were found dead along the dam’s banks with extremely low water levels in the reservoir.

“Apparently, less water and oxygen is reason behind the death of fish,” he said while adding that from next week, there is forecast of more rain which would hopefully increase the water level.

Another official confirmed that while low water levels seem to be the primary cause, a thorough investigation would be conducted.

Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2024