Concern: Solid waste in Swat River threatens aquatic life

The report read sample tests confirmed these diseases [in fishes] were caused by pollution in water of Swat River

PESHAWAR: Solid waste dumped on the bank of Swat River has polluted its water, posing a threat to the aquatic life found there. This was revealed in an enquiry report from the Planning and Development (P&D) Department.

A copy of the report was obtained by The Express Tribune. The monitoring and evaluation unit of P&D Department of Malakand Division conducted the enquiry and found that the viral diseases among fishes in Swat River were caused by the solid waste dumped on the riverbank.

As per the report, the diseases included Saprolegniasis and Hemorrhagic Septicemia which had killed thousands of fishes in Swat River in the past few months. Saprolegniasis is a fungal disease which affects fishes in freshwater due poor water quality.

Witnessed phenomenon

The report stated the waste dumped on the riverbanks is pushed into the river because of rain. The enquiry report is based on empirical evidence and on the results of samples tested by the fisheries department.

“After fish samples were tested positive in various laboratory diagnoses, it was confirmed these diseases [in fishes] are caused by pollution in water of Swat River during recent heavy rainfall,” the report read.

An official of the monitoring unit of P&D Department told The Express Tribune it was learnt that Tehsil Municipal Administration Mingora was dumping municipal waste in Swat River near Ogdai, Takhtaband area. He added it also came into the notice of the fisheries department that waste from several industries was being thrown into Swat River on the junction of
Mingora Khwar.

Water pollution

According to the report water pollution has changed the chemical makeup of the river. It is an alarming threat to aquatic life. The report stated downpour in Swat district during March and April resulted in floods in Swat River, causing depletion of oxygen in the river water.

It further stated, due to decomposition of organic waste products, the need for oxygen in the water also increased as decomposition and other chemical reactions resulted in accumulation of carbon dioxide, affecting the fish.

The enquiry team has forwarded recommendation for departments concerned.

The report recommends a recycling unit for Mingora city so that organic waste is converted into organic fertilizer and marble factories along the riverbank should be prohibited from constructing silting tanks for deposition of their waste into the river. Lastly, the leather and cosmetic industries should obtain a no objection certificate from the environment department before starting to function, so that heavy metal and chlorine is kept from being dumped into the river.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 10^th, 2016.