ISLAMABAD: State Minister for Interior Muhammad Talal Chaudhry on Tuesday informed the Senate that Metropolitan Corporation of Islamabad (MCI) has installed 37 water filtration plants in all sectors of the city, with the total amount of Rs 20.830 million for the operation and maintenance of these plants during fiscal year 2016-17.
Responding to questions during the question hour, the minister said that the operation and maintenance of these plants was being carried out through a rate running contract on annual basis. Carbon, sand, cartridge filters ultra violet lamps, and water taps were replaced when required, he added. He also said that water of each plant was getting tested regularly to ensure quality.
Talal said that portable water was also available in all parks, except small parks. However, he said no water connection was available at bus stops in the federal capital.
Replying to a question, he said that at present four shrines, including Darbar Hazrat Barri Imam (RA), Darbar Hazrat Sakhi Mehmood Badshah (RA), Darbar Hazrat Sakhi Darvesh Badshah, Miani Thub, and Chillah Gah Hazrat Barri Imam (RA), were under the administrative control of the Auqaf Directorate, ICT administration.
The minister further aid that an amount of Rs 92,184,745 donations was collected from these shrines during the last three years. Replying to a supplementary question, he said that collection of donations made at shrines was properly monitored.
In reply to another question, the minister said that the Ministry of Climate Change had fixed a plantation target of 300,000 saplings for Capital Development Authority and Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad during spring plantation drive 2017 under the Prime Minister Green Pakistan Programme, out of which 2,44,944 saplings have been planted. Major planting sites in Islamabad were Margalla Hills National Park, Simly Catchment areas, Green Belt, Parks and Roads, he added.
He also said that no amount had been spent on the said plantation as the same was carried out through departmental staff/nurseries. Survival of plants in urban areas was above 60 per cent and in rural areas below 40 per cent, he added. He said there was a separate department for protection of saplings which was doing a commendable job.