DERA GHAZI KHAN: Due to alleged negligence and inaction of the district administration, farmers in Dera Ghazi Khan are irrigating their crops, including vegetables, with sewage from a drain, putting the public health at a serious risk.

The supply of polluted water for irrigation is posing a serious threat, not only to human health, but also to the safety of crops and vegetables consumed by the public.

As per local sources, from Pul Dot to Mauza Gaddai, Basti Lohar Wala, Hameed Wala, Mamoori Road and up to the Choti area, on both sides of a sewage drain called Manika drain, the farmers are irrigating their crops, including vegetables, with sewage, pumping it through diesel-powered pumps.

According to health experts, the situation has become alarming as continuous consumption of vegetables and fruits grown with contaminated water can cause hepatitis, gastrointestinal illnesses, including diarrhea, beside skin and other serious ailments.

Locals have also expressed deep concern over the worsening situation, saying that all of this is happening under the nose of the administration, yet relevant authorities remain silent spectators. They say that despite repeated written and verbal complaints, the no department, including health, environment, district government and Punjab Food Authority took any concrete action against this practice by the farmers.

According to locals, vegetables irrigated with sewage in the fields on both sides of Manika drain are being supplied to the nearby markets on a daily basis, criticising the administration for not checking such public health hazard.

Environmental experts stressed that stopping the use of contaminated water for irrigation requires strict legislation, continuous monitoring and new projects to ensure the supply of clean water to farmers. Otherwise, they warned, the problem could spiral out of control in the near future.

DG Khan Deputy Commissioner Usman Khalid stated that necessary action would be taken against the illegal practice of using contaminated water for irrigation purposes.

Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2025