DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Saraiki-speaking people from across Dera and Tank districts gathered on the Circular Road here on Sunday and presented a traditional dance (Jhumar) to the drumbeats to voice their concern over increasing pollution of the mighty Indus River.

The people wearing blue Ajraks (shawls) threw flowers into the river, highlighting the urgency of saving it from pollution.

Sapat Sindhu Salhaarr, a local literary organisation, organised the event, which is usually held on March 23, but due to Ramazan, its date was changed.

People from different walks of life, including political and civil society activists and literary figures, participated in the event.

Event held in Dera to raise alarm over water pollution

On the occasion, Malik Asif Ali, chairman of Sapat Sindhu Salhaarr, said Indus River was the ‘custodian’ of the ancient civilisation of Dera Ismail Khan and its water was a symbol of life.

He said the government should devise a plan to prevent contamination of the river water.

Dr Nauman Latif Saduzai, an environmentalist, said the polluted river water was also polluting the underground water.

Author and intellectual Habib Mohana said the event was meant to appeal to the authorities to save River Indus from pollution. “Protecting River Indus from pollution is like protecting Saraiki culture and traditions,” Mr Mohana said.

Qaiser Anwar, an author, intellectual and broadcaster, said the government should take steps to protect the Indus from pollution.

Educationist Yaqoob Babar said climate change was affecting the entire world and its effects could clearly be seen in the Indus River. He said Saraiki people had been protesting the pollution of Indus to try to draw the government’s attention towards the grave matter.

Saraiki Qaumi Tehreek chairman Mauz Arain said there was no check on municipal waste being emptied into the mighty Indus, which was a lifeline of Saraiki people.

Known painter Ajab Khan (Sitara-i-Imtiaz), Syed Irshad Shah Bukhari, Tahir Shirazi, Abul Muazzam Turabi, Ramish Ali and others said the Indus River was their life and they wanted to keep it clean and free from pollution.

They demanded that the drains of Dera city emptying into the river should be diverted away.

Poets Makhmoor Qalandari and Saeen Asmat Komal raised the spirits of the participants by reciting their pieces during the event.

Published in Dawn, April 15th, 2024