Hanna Lake in Quetta Faces 1 Rapid Decline in Water Levels Due to Severe Leakage

Hanna Lake, one of Quetta’s most cherished natural landmarks, is facing an alarming decline in water levels due to multiple leakages. This rapid depletion has sparked concerns among environmental experts, water sports enthusiasts, and local residents, who fear the lake could dry up entirely if the issue is not addressed swiftly.

Leaks Threaten the Lake’s Existence

Officials from the Balochistan Irrigation Department have been monitoring the situation closely since receiving the first complaint about the leaks in April of this year. Hayatullah Khan Durrani, who has been managing a water sports academy at Hanna Lake for four decades, expressed his deep concern over the situation. He revealed that the lake, which was 27 feet deep just a few months ago, has now reduced to a mere 14 feet. Durrani warned that if the leaks are not repaired soon, the lake could dry up again, leading to significant environmental, economic, and social consequences.

The Lake’s Diminishing Beauty

Once a thriving hub for tourists and water sports activities, Hanna Lake’s declining water levels have diminished its natural beauty. The lake, which was refilled after 16 years, had become a popular destination for boating, water sports, and nature lovers. However, the continuous leakage threatens to undo the progress made in restoring the lake to its former glory.

Government Response and Planned Repairs

Bashiruddin Tareen, Chief Engineer of the Balochistan Irrigation Department, confirmed that leaks have been detected at multiple points in the outer and lower parts of the lake. He assured that the dam structure remains intact and that there is no immediate risk of the dam failing. However, Tareen acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and announced that a Rs40 million project has been approved to address the leaks using a grouting method. This method involves injecting cement into the cracks to stop the water from escaping. Work on this project is expected to begin soon, with the goal of restoring Hanna Lake to its original condition.

Impact on Tourism and Local Economy

The rapid decline in water levels at Hanna Lake has already begun to affect tourism in the area. The Quetta district administration has imposed a four-week ban on tourist entry to Hanna Orak and Hanna Lake, citing concerns over heavy rains and potential flood risks. This ban, while unrelated to the lake’s leakage, has further discouraged visitors and has negatively impacted local businesses that rely on tourism.

Hanna Lake has been a vital source of recreation for the people of Quetta for over a century. When the lake is full, it attracts large numbers of tourists, benefiting local vendors, restaurants, and other businesses. However, as the water level continues to drop, fewer tourists are visiting, leading to a decline in revenue for these local enterprises.

Historical Significance and Environmental Concerns

Constructed in 1894 during the British era, Hanna Lake was designed to maintain the underground water level, irrigate land, and provide recreational opportunities for the public. The lake has a storage capacity of 818 acres or 26 million gallons of water and is 49 feet deep at full capacity. Over the years, the lake’s surrounding rocks have become unstable due to seismic activity, leading to cracks and leaks.

The recent leakages have raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of the lake, particularly in light of the ongoing drought conditions in the region. The drying up of the lake would have devastating effects on the local ecosystem, including the loss of habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. The social and economic consequences would also be severe, as the lake is a significant source of livelihood for many local residents.

A Call for Immediate Action

Environmental experts, local authorities, and residents are calling for immediate action to repair the leaks and preserve Hanna Lake for future generations. The planned repairs are a step in the right direction, but there is a sense of urgency to complete the work before the lake’s water levels drop any further. The future of Hanna Lake, and the many activities and livelihoods it supports, hangs in the balance as the community waits for the restoration efforts to take effect.