KARACHI:
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The United Nations considers universal access to clean water a basic human right, and an essential step towards improving living standards worldwide. Pakistan Council of Research (PCRWR) recently revealed that the quality of drinking water is dangerously unsafe in 29 major cities of the country. According to a Worldwide Fund for Nature report, 20 to 40% of the hospital’s beds in Pakistan are occupied by patients suffering from water-related diseases. Every year, over 100,000 people die from waterborne diseases like cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, hepatitis, and typhoid.
Several studies documented that drinking water in all four provinces is contaminated with pathogens, chemicals and toxic materials that account for 69% bacteria, 24% arsenic, 14% nitrate, and 5% fluoride. The presence of arsenic in water contributes to cancer. The contaminated water poses a severe risk for many across the country. Unfortunately, the regulatory bodies have done little to ensure pure and hygienic supply of water.
A large proportion of the population cannot afford mineral or purified bottled water. Therefore, they have no choice but to use the contaminated water. The government must assume responsibility to ensure that the water is purified because it is a necessity and should not be inaccessible to the people. The relevant authorities should implement physical, biological, and chemical measures to root out water contamination. Improved water supply and betterment in the management of water resources will contribute towards a better economy, a good health structure, and eradicating poverty.
Neelam Yasir
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, November 21st, 2021.
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