Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), a region with abundant natural resources, is facing an escalating environmental crisis due to severe water pollution and mismanagement. The province’s rivers such as Swat, Kabul and Indus serve as lifelines for irrigation, drinking water and hydroelectric power generation. However, unchecked industrial waste disposal, inadequate sewage management and irresponsible public behaviour are rapidly deteriorating these water bodies.

A research-based adaptation plan by the KP health department indicates that approximately 1.8 million residents are at risk of health issues due to climate change-induced factors, including frequent flooding and declining water quality. This deterioration in water quality is anticipated to increase waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea by 20 per cent, further straining the healthcare system.

The absence of effective waste treatment systems has accelerated the decline in water quality, posing dire consequences for the masses’ health and the environment. Industries remain one of the largest contributors to this crisis, discharging untreated toxic chemicals directly into rivers. In urban and rural areas alike, inefficient sewage systems allow untreated wastewater to flow unchecked into the rivers, further compounding the problem.

Agricultural runoff presents another major threat to water purity. Excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides in farming results in toxic residues being washed into rivers, disrupting fragile ecosystems and endangering aquatic biodiversity. This also gives rise to waterborne diseases such as cholera and hepatitis A, as communities continue to rely on contaminated water sources.

Efforts to protect water resources

To tackle the growing water pollution crisis, the KP government has introduced key laws to safeguard its water resources. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Environmental Protection Act 2014 and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Water Act 2020 were enacted to regulate water management, control pollution and promote sustainable use. These laws provide a framework for monitoring industries, managing sewage systems and ensuring cleaner water sources for the public.

Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of KP plays a crucial role in enforcing environmental regulations, conducting assessments and taking action against those who violate pollution laws. The Rivers Protection Ordinance passed in 2002 aims to safeguard the aquatic ecology, water quality and overall environmental value of rivers and their tributaries in KP. Through these efforts, the government aims to reduce contamination in rivers, improve public health and preserve natural ecosystems. However, effective implementation and public cooperation remain essential to achieving long-term environmental sustainability.

Educating the masses on the environmental crisis

Addressing this water pollution crisis requires urgent and decisive action. Environmentalists and policymakers are appealing to the provincial government to impose strict regulations against industrial pollution.

Additionally, educators in KP have been empowered to raise awareness about climate change. Senior representatives from the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Climate Change and the KP government have supported the launch of publications aimed at educating students on environmental issues, emphasising the role of education in fostering environmental responsibility. Students participated in the final Policy Dialogue for the Climate Action Fellowship 2024 at the dialogue hosted by Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) at F-11 College, Islamabad. The fellowship’s top 20 projects received incentives to promote scalability and sustainability, with fellows highlighting the need for curriculum reforms, teacher training and collaboration with local communities to advance climate education.

Furthermore, the province’s participation in the Breathe Pakistan International Climate Change Conference establishes its commitment to green policies and environmental resilience. The conference served as a platform to discuss collaborative solutions to climate challenges, highlighting the importance of collective responsibility in combating environmental issues.

Strengthening public engagement in cleanliness initiatives and reducing plastic consumption can significantly aid in the preservation of these vital water bodies. While government intervention is indispensable, collective responsibility is key to combating water pollution. If decisive steps are not taken now, the province’s water crisis will only worsen, endangering millions and threatening the very fabric of life in KP.

At this critical juncture, a more unified approach involving strong legislation, advanced technology and community participation can safeguard these invaluable water resources for future generations. Water is more than a resource - it is a fundamental necessity and its protection must be a priority for all.

This article by CW Director Dr Danish Baber has been produced in paid partnership with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government - a partner of DawnMedia’s Breathe Pakistan initiative.