Bhakkar Canal: City’s landmark jammed with trash

Human remains have also been recovered on some occasions from the canal

BHAKKAR: Bhakkar Canal, the landmark of the region which passes through the centre of the city, has been in a shambles due to the negligence of the authorities. The canal has been an integral part of life in the city, the one image associated with it being swarms of people jumping into the waters flanked by a thick foliage of trees on hot summer days.



At present, the canal is polluted with filth and foul odour which has made the lives of the people miserable. Wastewater — mixed with trash and garbage goes into the canal. Private hospitals also dispose of waste into the canal which has made its water toxic. The district environment protection officials have also warned private hospitals and others several times to refrain from polluting the canal but the practice continues unabated.

Over the years, untreated domestic effluents have turned its waters unsafe for swimming, irrigation and livestock consumption. Even, body parts have also been recovered on some occasions from the canal.

Areas situated near the canal, including Mandi Town, Ahmedabad, Three Marla Scheme, Officer’s Colony etc are the worst hit.

Those responsible for polluting the canal are now realising the gravity of the situation, but measures to clean it remain elusive.

Local residents fear that the situation could lead to spread of diseases and other health issues.

All important private and public institutions are situated near the canal which include the girls and boys colleges, private hospitals, MPA House, Session Courts, DPO Office, deputy commissioner’s office, tehsil office etc.

Not only the canal is in bad shape, but Jinnah Park, which is situated on the side of it, is also in a dilapidated condition. The swings and benches have been broken and there is lack of proper cleaning system in the park.

Families, who visit the park, have expressed disappointment as it is littered with trash. Stray dogs could be seen roaming in the park’s premises which has led to the decline in the number of visitors.

Local residents, students and civil society members have demanded of the deputy commissioner to take immediate notice of the situation and order removal of trash from the canal. They also demanded plantation of trees on both sides of the canal to mitigate the effects of pollution.



Legal course

Environmentalists say that polluting canal water is a violation of different laws and is punishable as well.

They say the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997 strictly prohibits discharges or emissions which are in excess of national standards.

They added the Canal and Drainage Act also prohibits discharge of effluents into canal and drainage works. Under the act, the provincial government may prohibit the discharge of any waste into rivers, canals and drainage channels.

The environmentalists pointed out that Section 269 of the 1860 Pakistan Penal Code is also relevant in this particular case as it prescribes punishment for negligent acts likely to spread infection of diseases dangerous to life.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 13^th, 2017.