Drinking poison

A study has revealed that water supplied to Karachi's Liaquatabad Town is highly contaminated with traces of metals and faecal material. But this is not restricted to just one township of the metropolis, a detailed water analysis of the whole city followed by studies of high-risk areas earlier found similar results. For the residents of Karachi, clean and safe drinking water is not a given but a rare commodity. The crux of Karachi's water quality issues lies in its crumbling infrastructure. Many parts of the city rely on outdated pipelines that are prone to leaks and contamination. This situation is exacerbated by illegal connections and inadequate waste disposal practices, which introduce pollutants into the water supply. The result is a chronic problem where millions of residents are exposed to waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery, particularly in lower-income areas where access to clean water is even more limited.

Compounding the issue is the pollution of Karachi's primary water sources which are heavily contaminated by industrial waste, untreated sewage and chemical runoff. Unfortunately, it appears that the city authorities are least bothered about ensuring a clean water supply to the inhabitants. Most of Karachi's water treatment plants are either working below optimum levels or are dysfunctional. Addressing this crisis requires immediate and multifaceted action. There must be substantial investment in modernising the city's water infrastructure. This includes repairing or replacing ageing pipes and improving waste management systems to prevent contamination. Stricter regulations and enforcement are needed to control industrial discharge and ensure that water sources are protected from pollution. The path forward involves a combination of infrastructure investment, regulatory enforcement and community engagement. It's time for authorities to take decisive action to ensure clean and safe water for every resident of Karachi.