Collateral damage: Waste dumped along Swat River worries farmers

Output of strawberries dwindling in Ogdai village

MINGORA:

Improper disposal of waste by the tehsil municipal administration has resulted in widespread pollution in Ogdai village of Swat, residents told The Express Tribune.

Situated along Swat River, nearly four kilometres from Mingora, the village comprises 400 houses and large tracts of fertile land.

According to locals, every day at least 12 vehicles come to the village between dawn and noon to dump waste from the city along the river.

Such practices have dealt a heavy blow to the agriculture sector, which is the mainstay of the local economy.

Biradar, a local farmer, told The Express Tribune the municipal administration’s action has posed a series of environmental challenges for residents.

“Water from the river has been polluted,” he said. “A pungent odour has spread throughout the entire village and residents have repeatedly complained of breathing problems. Moreover, the number of flies and mosquitoes in the village has increased.”

According to Biradar, the area is known for the cultivation of strawberries. However, output has dwindled since the municipal administration started dumping waste in the area.

“The presence of flies and mosquitoes has affected the output of strawberries,” echoed Afsar Khan, a resident of Ogdai. “Many strawberry farmers have stopped growing the crop altogether.”

Khan added improper waste disposal practices have left a large number of children suffering from prolonged illnesses.

No respite

Muhammad Yousuf, a social activist and PhD student of environmental sciences, said villagers had not only taken to the streets but also sent written applications to relevant authorities to deal with this matter.

“However, the district administration has not stopped its officials from dumping waste in the village,” he said. “On the contrary, it has filed cases against residents.”

According to Yousuf, the practice has been carried out for nearly eight months and is likely to have a long-term environmental impact.

Environmentalists believe polluting the river will not only affect the residents of Ogdai, but create problems for other villages downstream as well.

“People from several districts use water from Swat River,” said Iqbal Ahmad, an activist. “If suitable steps are not taken, a large number of diseases will spread across these districts.”

The banks of Swat River were also a popular picnic spots which once attracted tourists. However, the area has now become a breeding ground for decay.

The other view

Chief Municipal Officer Hayat Shah said the government has obtained land near the river on rent.

“We use the land to put waste in ditches and cover it with sand and debris,” he added. Shah said the municipal administration will spray the area to rid the village of flies and mosquitoes.

However, residents have urged the provincial government to adopt a firm stance to prevent the administration from polluting the river.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 8^th, 2015.