KARACHI:
Across the country, mills and factories dispose of their waste into the water bodies polluting the water and the environment. This negligent and irresponsible behaviour of factories has become a cause of concern for people living nearby.
Several rice mills in my town dispose of chemical waste into the water bodies and the land. This has led to a rampant spread of different diseases in the area. Diarrhoea, typhoid, and digestive tract problem have become commonplace among Pakistani citizens due to the consumption of contaminated water. Skin diseases have also grown in the area. Approximately 40% of the deaths in Pakistan are caused by infected water or poor-quality industrial water.
Pakistan ranks 14 out of 17 countries designated as “extremely high water-risk” nations. Unfortunately, the concerned authorities have failed to take the issue in earnest and improve water quality. The government must not deprive people of this basic facility and ensure access to safe and potable water. It should regulate and monitor industrial activities to curb water pollution. Water filtration plants should be installed in industrial and water-stressed areas.
Hammad Raza
Nankanasahib
Published in The Express Tribune, May 16th, 2023.
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