SWABI: Though the Swabi district is blessed with a number of natural springs and canals, the people’s callousness and authorities’ failure to prevent them from being polluted has ruined this natural source of water being used for centuries by people for the purposes of irrigating crops and domestic use.

The unchecked throwing of garbage and emptying of drains into the springs has polluted their water to the core. There is no official campaign to educate people about not to dump waste in the springs.

The Gohati canal, which originated from upper Swat, and added to the beauty the local environs, has now become a waste dumping site. People living on its banks never shy of disposing of municipal waste into it.

Another natural spring in Jabay area of Maini union council, which used to provide water for both domestic use and irrigating crops, presents a pathetic view as it has been clogged with rubbish.

Khan Aman, a local resident, recalled that once the government tried to tax the people for using the spring water for irrigation, but the people opposed the measure, forcing withdrawal of the levy.

Similarly, the Saleem Khan canal passing through several populated areas was built by the British. It mainly used to irrigate tobacco and wheat growing fields.

“The canal has been highly contaminated by the drain water,” said Basar Ali of Pirtab village. Similar is the condition of the Turlandi canal in Razaar tehsil and the Chota Lahor canal.

“The officials supposed to look after the canals are nowhere to be seen,” Wisal Khan lamented.

Zakarya and Beka canals have also been polluted by the people living on their banks. The Maneri and Saleem Khwar canals passing through the lush green areas provided a fascinating view, but their pathetic condition speaks volumes about the official neglect.

Irrigation department officials couldn’t be contacted to know their viewpoint over the issue.

ONE KILLED: A man was killed and three passers-by were injured when two groups clashed here on Sunday, police said.

The victim was identified as Saleem Khan of Managi village. The injured included Akhtar Kan, Gul Mohammad and Biland Khan. They were shifted to hospital. The police registered case and started investigations.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2015

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