COMPLAINTS against unhygienic conditions in all big cities and towns, on account of the negligence of the municipal authorities, are on the rise. Now the population is spreading rapidly, creating more problems. In the past, the joint family system was common and despite a scattered population, the people kept the environs clean. Our religion also preaches cleanliness. At present, there are all kinds of factories including those manufacturing chemicals, and in such a situation it becomes mandatory for all people to give full attention to ensure that the environment around them is free from pollution.

Owing to the negligence of the municipal authorities and the environmental protection agencies, the situation is going from bad to worse. Butchers slaughter animals in the streets and avoid cleaning up the remains. Similarly … owners of different factories use our waterways to dispose of chemical effluent, and are not checked by officials of the government departments concerned. …Sanitary workers themselves dump garbage along the roads or pathways or throw them into streams instead of taking them to proper dumping yards.

In the rural localities the people themselves take responsibility for keeping their environs clean as there is no arrangement with municipal services. Mosque committees and community workers clean public places, including hujras. Last year’s flash floods have also played havoc and destroyed the entire sewerage system in most localities. The government is yet to give attention to rebuilding a proper drainage system. The result is that the streets are always submerged in sewerage water. There is a need to create awareness among the citizens across the country so that people themselves can undertake the responsibility [of keeping their environs clean]. It is the duty of all citizens to play an effective role in doing so. …The people should join hands [in this venture]….—(Feb 16)

Selected and translated by Ali Hazrat Bacha.