I WOULD like to draw the attention of the district municipal administration, Hyderabad, towards polluted water, toxic effluents and solid waste of Hyderabad city which have been discharged or dumped into the Phuleli Canal. The canal provides water for agricultural, industrial and domestic purposes to Hyderabad, Tando Mohammad Khan and Badin districts.

The Phuleli Canal passes through the ridge of Hyderabad city, along with the Pinyari Canal on its right. Many inhabitants have built their homes on its embankments.Besides, it is also a source of direct disposal for untreated domestic and industrial wastewater and solid waste. The consumption of water has increased, and with its increase, the volume of wastewater has also increased. This is creating serious engineering and environmental hazards for the people of Hyderabad.

Those living in the downstream areas, including Tando Mohammad Khan and Badin, are also facing serious health and environmental concerns. There are various locations where untreated wastewater is thrown directly into the Phuleli Canal. This practice is polluting the Phuleli Canal at an alarming rate and it is clear violation of sections 11, 13, 14 and 15 of the PakistanEnvironmental Protection Act, 1997.

The wastewater of Pretabad is discharged into the canal through pumping station which has been constructed by HDA/Wasa without considering that canal water is being used for drinking purpose by the local people at downstream of this canal.

The main slaughterhouse of Hyderabad is located on the right bank of the Phuleli Canal in the area of Pretabad and Laloo Lashari village wherein about more than 1,000 animals are being slaughtered every day. The huge quantum of pathogen and carcass of slaughterhouse is directly dumped along with the blood of animals into the canal. It is estimated that hundreds of tons of animals’ waste from the slaughterhouse per day is being thrown. This solid waste of slaughtered animals is a cause of slow poison in the canal’s water and a nuisance for the people who live near the slaughterhouse. Besides, a number of poultry farms have been established on the right side of canal. The wastewater, solid waste and dead chickens are thrown into the canal.

The canal water is the only source of drinking water for Badin because the groundwater is brackish. It is worthy to mention that the wastewater and solid waste of Hyderabad being disposed of into the canal may cause serious diseases and consequences for the people as well as for flora and fauna. The district municipal administration, Hyderabad, HDA and Wasa must take necessary action and stop the dumping of solid waste and effluents into the freshwater canal. Buffalo farms and slaughterhouses should be shifted to cattle colony.

Water quality monitoring should be done regularly and water filtration plants should be installed at suitable places for providing safe drinking water to the residents in the command area of Phuleli Canal.

IMRAN AZIZ TUNIOHyderabad