Locals unite to save polluted Mangal River

A representative committee of 56 villages has launched an effort to save the Mangal River from rising environmental pollution and has demanded urgent government intervention.

The committee plans to meet with the Hazara division commissioner and the chairman of the board of directors of Ayub Medical Complex.

The Mangal River, once a primary source of clean water, agriculture, and food for thousands of residents, has suffered from severe pollution over the past two decades.

Local allegations claim that institutions such as Ayub Medical Complex, residential colonies, and small industries have been discharging hazardous waste, including chemicals, syringes, and contaminated water, into the river.

As a result, fish farming, water mills, agriculture, and tourism-related livelihoods have been decimated.

Addressing a consultative meeting in Kund, Mangal Bachao Tehreek leader Advocate Dilawar Khan Tanoli warned that future generations may be deprived of clean drinking water if urgent measures are not taken.

The meeting was attended by religious scholars, village council chairpersons, and local dignitaries.

Participants proposed a four-point plan: halt the dumping of contaminated water into the river, strictly ban illegal hunting and deforestation, raise public awareness through mosque-based campaigns, and initiate a monsoon tree-planting drive focused on fruit-bearing plants.

Tanoli emphasiSed that forest fires destroy the upper organic layer of soil, reducing fertility, and called for greater awareness to combat such practices.

The meeting also raised concerns over the performance of the fisheries department and demanded a crackdown on illegal hunting.

Community leaders unanimously warned that failure to act would trigger strong public protests.

The 45-kilometre-long Mangal River flows from various natural springs to Tarbela Lake. Its restoration is considered crucial not only for local communities but also for broader environmental conservation.