To cap off a thought-provoking 17th Annual Fulbright Alumni Climate Change Conference, participants received a unique experience: a visit to Rawal Dam, Islamabad’s vital water source on the third and final day of meet-up on January 14, 2024. Led by Deputy Director of Small Dams Organization, Irrigation Department Punjab, Dr. Bilal Iftikhar, this wasn’t just a sightseeing trip; it was a chance to connect the theoretical discussions of the conference with the tangible reality of water resource management and its crucial role in climate resilience.
Standing at the imposing dam, with its glistening expanse stretching before them, participants received a comprehensive briefing on Rawal Dam’s history, capacity, and operations. They learned about its engineering marvel, its contribution to Islamabad’s water needs, and its role in flood control and irrigation. The numbers resonated – the dam’s staggering capacity, the vast areas it irrigates, and the millions it sustains – each statistic a testament to the human ingenuity and environmental stewardship that went into its creation.
The true immersion however came with the descent. Braving the 150 stairs that led to the dam’s base, participants felt the cool spray of the cascading water, and witnessed firsthand the sheer force of nature harnessed for the benefit of humankind. It was a moment of both awe and responsibility, a reminder of the delicate balance between human needs and environmental realities.
This visit to Rawal Dam was more than just a scenic break; it was a powerful symbol of hope and inspiration. It served as a tangible reminder that solutions to climate change exist, that engineering and human dedication can build resilience, and that access to clean water is a fundamental right worth fighting for. As the participants returned from their descent, they carried not just information and inspiration, but a renewed commitment to build a future where water resources are managed sustainably, and communities thrive in harmony with the environment.
This closing experience at Rawal Dam was a fitting end to the Climate Change Conference. It reaffirmed the conference’s message of hope and action, leaving attendees with not just knowledge, but a tangible link to the challenges and solutions discussed within the conference halls.
