DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Scores of people wearing Saraiki Ajrak and carrying flower petals arrived from Tank, Prova, Paharpur and other adjoining areas to express concern over pollution in the Indus River.

They threw rose petals in the Indus River and danced to the drumbeat to discourage water pollution. The event was organised by a literary organisation Sapat Sindhu Salhaarr here on Sunday. The event was held on March 19 instead of the scheduled date of March 23 because of the upcoming holy month of Ramazan.

The participants of the rally gathered on Circular Road and presented a traditional dance. Wearing Saraiki Ajrak, political workers, civil society members, literati and people from different walks of life attended the rally.

Malik Asif Ali, chairman of Sapat Sindhu Salhar, said on the occasion that they had been holding the event for the last 12 years. He said that the Indus was the custodian of the ancient civilisation of Dera Ismail Khan and its water was a symbol of life.

Govt asked to set up treatment plant along the river

He said that government should set up a treatment plant along the river to ensure its protection. He said that government should devise a plan to prevent contamination of the water of the Indus.

Dr Nauman Latif Saduzai, a water reservoirs and environment expert, told Dawn that by laying drainage canals in the Indus, the underground water was also becoming toxic and harmful. He said aquatic life was also being badly affected.

“Dolphins used to be found here, but now they have disappeared,” he said. He added that contaminated water was also being used for irrigation purpose that made the crops harmful for human life.

Saraiki author Habib Mohana said that the event called “Chetar Bahar Mela” was celebrated on advent of new year of Nanakshahi calendar.

He said that the event was also meant to save the Indus from pollution.

“The Indus River is the saviour of our Saraiki culture. Unfortunately our Indus is now not more than a pond of contaminated water,” said Mustafa Mughal, a young researcher.

Meanwhile, a similar walk was also organised in Rangpur area of Paharpur by Sangha Organisation. Led by Younas Khan Hoth and Amirzada Hoth, the participants of the walk threw rose petals in the river.

The chief guest on the occasion was famous Saraiki poet Dr Ashu Laal from Multan.

Published in Dawn, March 20th, 2023