
KARACHI:
About 80% of Pakistan’s agriculture is dependent upon the Indus River, which was announced as the world’s 2nd most polluted river. Chemical and waste discharge are the main pollutants. The use of polluted water for irrigation has affected crops and caused soil degradation. The vegetable grown with the use of this water is contaminated and unsafe for consumption.
High levels of water pollution are also threatening marine life. Many parts of the country have already reported acute water scarcity, which is expected to worsen in the near future. Therefore, the agriculture department must resort to alternative irrigation methods such as responsive drip, underground drip, bubbler irrigation systems and others to reduce water mismanagement.
In addition, industries and factories should be strictly directed to avoid disposing of chemical and plastic waste in water bodies and should be fined for violating the rules. The government should also launch a campaign to inform people to avoid water wastage. We must protect and conserve our water bodies to prevent emerging food and water shortages.
Seemab Kausar
Chichawatni
Published in The Express Tribune, February 17th, 2023.
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