Daily Point (Staff Report) — The University of Lahore (UOL), in partnership with WWF-Pakistan, has officially launched an innovative ‘Ablution Water Reuse System’ at the university mosque to promote water conservation. This eco-friendly solution repurposes water used during ablution for non-potable purposes, such as landscape irrigation and floor cleaning.
The system captures and treats water from ablution, filtering it through natural materials like cobbles, boulders, and sand. The treated water is then reused for non-drinking purposes, helping to reduce waste. With the potential to save around 20,000 litres of water daily, the project supports global sustainability goals and serves as a model for other institutions to follow in protecting the environment.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the university, was attended by Ms Ammara Awais (Director, Office of Sustainability (OSus), UOL), Prof Dr Muhammad Ashraf (Rector, UOL), Dr Masood Arshad (Senior Director Programme, WWF-Pakistan), Mr Muhammad Saad Zafar (Assistant Director, OSus), and other dignitaries. The event featured speeches and panel discussions on ‘Ensuring Water Sustainability for an Enduring Future.’
Ms Ammara began with a keynote speech on the critical importance of water and sanitation access. She acknowledged the collective efforts needed to tackle these challenges and highlighted how initiatives like the ‘Ablution Water Reuse System’ align with global sustainability goals. She also praised UOL’s leadership for its ongoing commitment to sustainability and expressed gratitude for the collaboration between local and international partners.
Dr Ashraf shared his thoughts on sustainability goals, particularly focusing on clean water (SDG 6) and climate change (SDG 13). He emphasised the university’s dedication to integrating sustainability into its curriculum and infrastructure, hoping that UOL’s efforts would inspire other institutions. Dr Masood delivered the keynote address, underscoring the societal impact of such initiatives and the role of education in driving change. He spoke about the increasing urgency of water-related challenges in Pakistan, stressing the need for a coordinated, data-driven approach to addressing water scarcity and pollution.
Discussion on climate change and water management challenges
The session was moderated by Prof Dr Muhammad Aslam (Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, UOL). Panellists included Prof Dr Anna Popkova (Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Safety and Product Quality Management and Deputy Director, International Affairs, RUDN University, Russia), Prof Dr Oleg V Shipin (Associate Professor, Environmental Engineering and Management Program, Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand), Mr Sohail Ali Naqvi (Director, Freshwater Programme, WWF-Pakistan), and Dr Ghulam Zakir Hassan Sial (Director, Irrigation, Research Institute Irrigation Department, Government of Punjab).
The panel discussed key water challenges linked to climate change, including rising temperatures and groundwater depletion. They stressed the need for sustainable water management and the adoption of water reuse technologies. The conversation highlighted global comparisons and local solutions, particularly focusing on regions like Pakistan. Panellists called for greater public awareness and stronger policy advocacy to drive change, emphasising the need to improve water use efficiency, reduce industrial pollution, and address governance challenges. Technological solutions and waste management practices were identified as essential for long-term sustainability.
Dr Anna emphasised the challenges posed by rising temperatures and groundwater depletion, particularly in regions like Pakistan. She stressed the need for global cooperation to mitigate these impacts. A major topic of discussion was pollution in freshwater resources. Mr Sohail pointed out that agricultural runoff from fertilisers and pesticides is a leading cause of water contamination. While acknowledging the benefits of these chemicals, he highlighted their long-term negative effects on water quality. Dr Ghulam Zakir called for more sustainable farming practices and urged governments to incentivise eco-friendly techniques, such as reducing chemical inputs and promoting “ecological services” in agriculture.
The conversation then shifted to technological solutions for water scarcity. Dr Oleg V discussed the potential of wastewater recycling and solar-powered desalination as key technologies for addressing water shortages. He noted that while these solutions are promising, they require further development to become scalable. Dr Ghulam Zakir emphasised the importance of integrating modern technologies into water management systems to improve efficiency and ensure a sustainable water supply.
The panel concluded by stressing the importance of collaboration between governments, industries, and academia to address the water crisis effectively. Mr Sohail called for better coordination between national and international water authorities and the creation of centralised data systems for more informed decision-making. Dr Anna and Dr Oleg V agreed that public awareness and strong policy advocacy are crucial for promoting sustainable water usage practices, concluding with a call for a holistic approach to managing the interconnected systems of water, energy, and food.
Dr Aslam wrapped up the discussion by emphasising the need for better monitoring and accurate data collection to manage water resources effectively. He pointed out that ensuring a steady water supply will require looking at multiple sources, such as recycling wastewater and using new technologies, alongside efforts to save water. He also stressed the importance of strong government policies that not only identify new water sources but also encourage more responsible water use.
In her closing remarks, Ms Ammara thanked the panellists, participants, and volunteers for their contributions. She reiterated the importance of continued collaboration in addressing global sustainability challenges, particularly those related to water. The ceremony concluded with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) by Dr Ashraf and Dr Masood, marking a commitment to further collaboration between UOL and WWF-Pakistan in advancing sustainability initiatives. Souvenirs, shields, and goodie bags were distributed as tokens of appreciation.
