NAWABSHAH: A number of growers of Nawabshah were utilizing untreated sewage water for the cultivation of crop over thousands of acres.

A survey conducted, revealed that unsettled and untreated sewage water was being utilized for cultivation of crop including wheat, sugarcane, cotton and vegetables on thousands of acres near Nawabshah city.

A number of growers on 60-mile road had broken the main sewage line going towards the main ponds constructed by Taluka Municipal Administration in the outskirts of city. The growers after breaking the main line had installed valves which they could use smoothly whenever they require water.

The water was untreated having solid waste which was not only hazardous to the peasants working in the fields but also for the nearby residents.

The same practice was being observed on the other side of the city and allegedly some sewage water was being also directly dropped into the canal.

A grower told Dawn that all was being done with the connivance of Taluka Municipal Administration and some of their officials were taking huge amounts for it. He said that the use of sewage water reduce their expenses as they use one instead of four DAP and fertiliser bags on their crop.

He said wheat, mustard, cotton, sugarcane, brinjal, lemon and other vegetables were being cultivated on the dirty water carrying solid waste. He further said that water shortage was not the issue as enough irrigation water was available for cultivation but its just to safe expenses and some of the growers also supply the same sewage water to the tail enders against money.

He said that these growers do not use their crop for their home but exchange wheat and other vegetables from the market for their personal use.

President Sindh Abadgar Board District Shaheed Benazir Abad, Syed Zain Shah said that the sewage water could be utilized for cultivation but only after treatment. He said that use of sewage water with solid waste was unethical and could harm peasants and consumers.

He said that the district government or the authorities concerned could do a lot for recycling and resettlement of that water which could be also benefit the growers.

Professor Dr Atta Mohammad Chandio of community medicine department of Peoples Medical College said that the use of untreated sewage water was very harmful and hazardous for human health. He said that all the stomach diseases including diarrhoea, dysentery, gastroenteritis hepatitis A and others could spread by utilizing such water in the fields for cultivation of crop.

Executive District Officer agriculture, Dr Karim Bux Leghari when contacted said that they had not received any complaint regarding the use of untreated sewage water for cultivation.

He said that he was also not sure whether any survey was conducted for usage of this hazards water. He said that it was better to use recycled water however the matter pertain to district administration and TMA.