ISLAMABAD, June 4: The Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), in collaboration with Nestlé Pakistan and the Small Dams Department Punjab, organized a large-scale clean-up drive at Rawal Lake as part of activities marking World Environment Day 2026.
Held under the theme “Inspired by Nature, for Climate, for Our Future,” the initiative brought together volunteers from educational institutions, civil society organizations, local communities and corporate partners to raise awareness about environmental protection and pollution control.
Participants collected significant quantities of solid and hazardous waste from the shoreline and surrounding areas of Rawal Lake, one of Islamabad’s key water reservoirs and recreational sites.
According to organizers, the clean-up effort uncovered discarded syringes, medical waste and plastic materials, highlighting growing concerns about pollution and improper waste disposal practices affecting freshwater ecosystems.
Focus on pollution awareness and environmental protection
Officials said the campaign aimed not only to remove waste from the lake area but also to highlight the environmental and public health risks associated with plastic pollution, contaminated water bodies and unsafe disposal of medical waste.
Addressing participants, the Director General of Pak-EPA stressed the importance of sustained environmental action and community engagement.
He said environmental protection requires long-term commitment and urged citizens, particularly young people, to adopt responsible practices that contribute to cleaner ecosystems and climate resilience.
Call for collective action
Speaking at the event, the Pak-EPA spokesperson emphasized the importance of preserving clean air, water and soil for future generations.
He noted that environmental challenges such as vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, untreated wastewater discharges and increasing solid waste generation continue to place pressure on natural resources and ecosystems.
The spokesperson called for greater public awareness and collective efforts to protect the environment and maintain natural resources in their original state for future generations.
Pak-EPA said the Rawal Lake clean-up drive forms part of a broader series of activities being conducted during Environment Week 2026 and reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen environmental stewardship through public participation, institutional collaboration and awareness campaigns.
Officials reiterated their commitment to promoting environmental conservation and addressing pollution challenges through partnerships with public and private sector stakeholders.
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