Sindh Industrial Trading Estate has made Sukkur a major industrial city, but the industrial activity has turned the air toxic and contaminated the water, thus causing serious health problems among the residents.
Villages are known for their clean environment, but our village and nearby areas are paying a heavy price due to the negligence of factory owners and the relevant authorities.
The toxic smoke coming out of the factories is giving rise to respiratory problems. Old people in the area, in general, suffer from persistent cough, headache, burning eyes and breathing-related problems.
Industrial activity is good for the well-being of the people and the national economy, but it should come at the cost of basic human rights. Clean environment is not a privilege, but a fundamental human right. The Sindh Environment Protection Agency and Sukkur Development Authority must take notice of the situation. They should carry out inspection of the factories and hold the erring factory owners to account.
Abdul Mouiz
Sukkur
