HARIPUR: The members of Hattar Environmental Protection Forum (HEPF) here on Tuesday demanded of provincial government to protect human life as well as flora and fauna of localities surrounding the industrial estate as industrial pollution had exposed them to the worst living conditions.

The members of HEPF, on behalf of residents of Hattar, Shadi, Rani Wah, Chach, Chamian, Pind Gujran, Kamilpur, Bandi Gulu, Kot Najibullah, Dingi, Motian and other adjacent localities comprising thousands of inhabitants, have written an open letter to secretary of environment and the adviser to chief minister for forests and environment, Musavir Khan Ghazi.

The letter said that poultry protein factories had made the life people miserable. “It is difficult to breathe in these areas. Staying indoors is cumbersome. People are falling ill due to unbearable odor of over a dozen poultry protein manufacturing factories,” it added.

It also highlighted health issues of locals due to coal and cement dust of factories. It said that the chemical laden toxic wastewater from the factories depleted safe drinking water sources while the noise pollution was another constant threat to the health of locals.

The letter also referred to the reports compiled by different researchers, EPA and the office of deputy commissioner regarding health hazards faced by locals. It demanded of the government to protect the ecosystem of the area and human lives from the harm of industrial activities.

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2026