Balochistan battles plastic pollution threatening coastline, marine life, and health

Plastic pollution plagues Balochistan's coast, endangering marine life, livelihoods, and human health

Balochistan, Pakistan's southwestern province, is renowned for its vast landscapes and over 700 kilometres of coastline. Its natural beauty, especially in locations like Gwadar and Kund Malir, has long attracted visitors and sustained local communities. However, these once-pristine beaches are now threatened by a growing menace: plastic pollution. This crisis not only damages the environment but also endangers public health and the livelihoods of those reliant on the sea.

The beaches of Gwadar and Kund Malir, famous for their clear waters and stunning views, are now inundated with plastic waste.

Discarded plastic bags, abandoned fishing nets, and other debris litter the shorelines. This issue extends beyond unsightly beaches, posing severe risks to marine life and coastal communities. Fishermen in Gwadar often find fish trapped in plastic nets, while dead turtles wash ashore, their stomachs filled with plastic. Locals fear for their health as contaminated seafood becomes a daily concern.

Studies worldwide have highlighted the grave impact of plastic pollution on marine life. Ninety per cent of seabirds and one in three marine mammals are harmed by plastic waste. In Balochistan, these alarming statistics are evident, with marine species increasingly threatened by growing plastic pollution. Tiny fragments known as microplastics further exacerbate the issue, infiltrating the ecosystem and entering the food chain, ultimately reaching humans.

The impact of microplastics on human health is an escalating concern.

Research has linked these particles to severe conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and other fatal diseases. A study published in the “New England Journal of Medicine” found microplastics in human blood vessels, raising alarms about their potential long-term effects. Other studies have even discovered microplastics in human brains, suggesting internal organ damage caused by these pollutants.

Balochistan’s coastal communities are particularly vulnerable. Many depend on seafood as their primary protein source, and the contamination of marine life poses significant health risks. Fishermen and their families find themselves caught in a vicious cycle—plastic pollution harms marine life, which in turn affects their livelihoods.

The local economy, heavily reliant on fishing and tourism, is also at risk. Beaches like Dam Sonmiani and KundMalir in Lasbela district, now marred by plastic waste, face declining tourism and environmental degradation.

Plastic pollution is not merely an environmental issue; it is a health and economic crisis.

People in Balochistan are inhaling microplastics, drinking contaminated water, and consuming seafood laced with plastic. Studies suggest individuals may ingest the equivalent of a credit card’s worth of plastic weekly, sparking concerns about the safety of food and air.

To combat this crisis, immediate action is essential. Local communities must be educated on the dangers of plastic waste and the benefits of sustainable alternatives. Schools should incorporate environmental education to foster long-term behavioural change. The government must enforce existing laws, such as the Balochistan Environmental Protection Act of 2012, which bans plastic bags and harmful practices, while ensuring strict compliance and penalising violators.

Moreover, policies should promote biodegradable alternatives to plastic. Manufacturers must be incentivised to produce eco-friendly products, and plastic waste must be properly managed and recycled. Coastal clean-up initiatives and measures to prevent further pollution are equally critical.

Addressing plastic pollution in Balochistan may seem daunting, but it is vital for the province's environment, marine life, and public health. Failure to act now will lead to catastrophic consequences.

The time for action is today. Through education, policy changes, and community efforts, Balochistan can restore its beautiful beaches and safeguard its marine ecosystem for generations to come.