KARACHI, Feb 25: Some unscrupulous elements allegedly polluted water passing through the 14 mile-long open Karachi water supply canal, commonly known as Hub Canal.

Eye witnesses told Dawn that a number of people were seen washing punctured offal in the canal, near Jam Chakro landfill site, during first two days of Eidul Azha.

When some newsmen informed the acting city Nazim, Tariq Hassan, about the report, he said that he would seek a detailed report within a day or two from the concerned officials and whosoever was found involved in such an unethical act would not be spared, besides punishing those officials who had failed to check such activities.

Meanwhile, doctors have advised the residents of the localities hooked to the Hub Dam to consume water after properly boiling it, or else they could be exposed to serious ailments.

The localities which are being supplied water through the canal include the sprawling townships of Orangi, Baldia, Surjani Town, SITE, Manghopir and adjoining areas.

The canal, which has been supplying 35 million gallons of water from the Hub Dam reservoir since August 2001 to various parts of former district West, was already in a dilapidated condition as it had developed a number of cracks.

The canal, which is situated about 11 miles downstream the head regulator, had remained inoperative from July 14, 1999, to Aug 20, 2001, due to drying up of Hub Dam and partial water supply through it was restored on August 21, 2001, after water level in the Hub Dam reservoir jumped to 297 feet against its dead storage level of 276 feet in the wake of rainfall.

Sources said that though previously managed by Wapda the canal had been handed over to the KWSB in May, 2001, but the latter did not pay any attention towards its repair. It had not only developed cracks but its lining had also been worn out at a number of places.

Besides, weeds growth in the canal was also posing a constant threat, affecting the velocity of the current.

They also pointed out that water being supplied through the Hub Canal was not filtered as it was only chlorinated and chances of polluting the water at the hands of anti-social elements could not be ruled out because it is totally uncovered.