THE miseries of Sohbatpur district in Balochistan continue to multiply. The district faces environmental pollution leading to deteriorating health conditions and spread of diseases.

The district faces scarcity of water, especially of clean drinking water, owing to an overuse of chemical fertilisers, untreated sewerage and the non-availability of water treatment plants.

The burning of garbage and plastic, and the increase in the number of vehicles have increased air pollution, causing respiratory disorders etc.

Sanitation facilities in the district are poor. Gutters are overflowing and streets covered with animal manure. Municipal services are poor and inefficient, and the local council is dysfunctional.

Article 2 (xlvii) of Balochistan Local Government Act, 2010 states that clean drinking water, garbage disposal and maintenance of sanitary conditions are the responsibilities of the local government.

The local government seems to be indifferent to these issues.

Saad Khosa

Sohbatpur

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2017