Indus River turns toxic downstream at Kotri
Downstream of the Kotri Barrage, the Indus River has turned toxic from continuous discharge of untreated wastewater. Following the summer floods, only sewage flows through the river’s once-mighty, now dusty bed. Photo: EXPRESS
The downstream stretch of the Indus River at Kotri has become contaminated, as untreated sewage continues to mix with drinking water supplies. The polluted water poses serious risks to aquatic life as well as human health.
The floods have ebbed and by autumn the Indus River downstream presents a picture of a dust bowl. The remaining trickle of stream has become unsafe and unfit for human as well as livestock consumption. Toxic sewage from areas including Qasimabad, Sehrish Nagar, and Naseem Nagar is being discharged directly into the river, endangering both aquatic ecosystems and residents. Many men, women, and children have already been affected by using this contaminated water.
Continuous discharge of sewage has poisoned the river water. To make matters worse, buffaloes are seen daily bathing in the river for hours, further polluting the already unsafe water.
Citizens have demanded that the administration immediately stop the long-standing practice of releasing sewage into the river. They have urged authorities to arrange alternative disposal methods for wastewater, so that residents may at least receive raw but clean water - if not filtered water - instead of being forced to consume sewage-laced water.