GUJAR KHAN: Oil and gas exploration companies in Ahdi and its nearby areas in Gujar Khan are polluting water reservoirs by draining untreated chemicals into Narali Dam.

This is putting the health of residents of the area at risk, former prime minister MNA Raja Pervez Ashraf said while talking to Dawn on Tuesday.

Mr Raja said Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) in Ahdi village released untreated waste chemicals into the Narali Dam situated in Nirali village.

“This is destroying the health of both residents and aquatic life and the government should take notice of this grave issue,” he said, adding that the exploration company drilling in Thakra Mohra village discharged untreated waste underground, making the existing groundwater unfit for drinking.

Access to clean drinking water is a basic human right and irresponsible oil companies are depriving residents of their basic right, he said, adding that, “I have myself visited the areas and the people there are being diagnosed with hepatitis B and hepatitis C due to polluted water.”

The companies working in the area are bound to spend a percentage of money on the welfare of locals but they are not doing that. These oil companies should be directed to set up water plants so residents could be provided safe drinking water, Mr Raja said, adding that this issue was also raised in the National Assembly on Monday.

“I have asked Energy Minister Hammad Azhar to visit the area and witness the havoc that oil companies have played with thousands of innocent villagers,” he said.

The former premier also pointed out that the welfare funds of PPL oil fields were not being provided to boys and girls colleges of Daultala, despite repeated promises by the management of Ahdi oil fields.

He said welfare funds should be provided for establishment of IT labs in the government colleges of Daultala that are located in the vicinity of the oil fields. He also demanded extension of sports facilities for youth of the area.

“I will keep highlighting the issue of my people till their problems are permanently solved,” Mr Raja said.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2021