About 70-85 per cent of the water resources across the country are contaminated and unsuitable for human consumption
KARACHI: According to the facts and figures revealed by the Ministry of Science and Technology in a report, 70-85 per cent of the water resources across the country are contaminated and unsuitable for human consumption. The water resources are contaminated with bacteria, arsenic and other toxic elements in substantial quantity. Due to the lack of water storage facilities on micro and macro level, water needs are met through utilisation of ground water reserves which is an unreliable water resource, especially owing to the falling frequency of monsoon rainfalls. Further, disposal of waste from industrial units into water resources and fluid chemicals on the ground contaminate groundwater as well.
Contaminated water is not only causing the spread of water-borne disease among those consuming it but is also contaminating the crops irrigated with it. Yet the issue is not impossible to deal with. It should be ensured that the chemical waste from factories is not dumped into rivers and water reservoirs. It will reduce contamination of water.
Naveen Iqbal
Published in The Express Tribune, January 21st, 2018.
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