Health risks fuel anti-dump protest

RAWALPINDI:

Residents and traders have launched a hunger strike against a newly established "Suthra Punjab" garbage collection and dumping site set up at the Sunday Bazaar near Committee Chowk, alleging that it poses serious health and environmental hazards.

Located in the heart of a densely populated residential and commercial area, the waste depot has triggered strong public opposition due to foul odours, unhygienic conditions, and a growing presence of flies and mosquitoes. Residents say the situation has made daily life unbearable and has adversely affected property values and business activity in the area.

According to protesters, garbage from across the city has been dumped at the site for the past week without adequate environmental safeguards or waste management measures, increasing the risk of pollution and disease outbreaks.

Social worker and community leader Nighat Mirza described the establishment of a garbage depot in the middle of a populated neighbourhood as a violation of constitutional, legal, and fundamental human rights. She demanded the immediate relocation of the facility, accountability for those responsible for its establishment, and relief for affected residents. She also said the matter was being challenged in court.

Local residents and traders, including Faisal Ali, Sharif Qureshi and Hafiz Sajid Khan, complained that the stench becomes particularly severe during hot weather, rainfall and at night. They said the conditions have disrupted normal life, with children facing difficulties in studying and families unable to use open spaces in their homes. According to residents, visitors have stopped coming to the area due to the foul smell.

The protesters challenged government officials, including the commissioner, to spend even half an hour near the dumping site without masks.