SHAFAQNA PAKISTAN (Shia News Agency)
Water pollution is one of the major threats to public health in Pakistan. Quality of drinking water is poorly managed and monitored. Pakistan ranks at number 80 among 122 nations regarding drinking water quality. Drinking water sources, both surface and groundwater are contaminated with toxic metals and pesticides throughout the country. Various drinking water quality parameters set by WHO are frequently violated. Improper disposal of municipal and industrial effluents and indiscriminate applications of agrochemicals in agriculture are the main factors contributing to the deterioration of water quality. Microbial and chemical pollutants are the main factors responsible exclusively or in combination for various public health problems.
According to a study conducted in UN states that more than 3.5 Million children are at high risk of death because of constant use of contaminated water. 20-40% of beds occupied in hospitals by those who are affected by the use of polluted water, more than 100 Million cases of diarrhoea are registered in the country. Polluted water is the main reason of more than 40% deaths annually in the country. More than 1.6 Million disability cases are recorded in the country because of water pollution. In terms of financial loss Pakistani government is spending Rs.112 billion per year on sanitation and hygiene related diseases, but because of increasing population, lack of planning, uneducated people and due to mal governance, water pollution is increasing day after day in Pakistan.
Water is essential for living things and a free gift from nature, but due to advancement and changing life styles people are not willing to value the valuable resource. Government should take concrete steps to ensure provision of clean and healthy water as it is basic right of people to drink clean water.
Wasim Gondal
pakistan.shafaqna.com
