Actions are needed to de-pollute the Swat River.

MINGORA: The Swat River, often referred to as the lifeblood of the region, has long been a source of beauty, sustenance and cultural significance for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

This clear, flowing water once attracted tourists and provided fresh water for drinking, irrigation and daily use. However, in recent years, the river has become increasingly polluted, and if urgent measures are not taken, its future and the well-being of the communities that depend on it could be at risk.

Several factors contribute to the pollution of the Swat River, and all point to rapid urbanization, industrialization, and inadequate waste management. “In the next decade, we will face many problems due to polluted rivers, including fresh water resources for drinking and irrigation,” said Akbar Zeib, head of Environmental Protection Society, a non-governmental organization working for the environment. that the local authorities and the provincial government are least interested in solving this burning problem.

He added that towns and cities have sprung up along the river, as have local industries. While the factories have brought economic growth, they have also brought untreated waste and chemicals that were being discharged directly into the river.

Textile mills, restaurants, hotels and stone crusher industries were among the culprits, releasing harmful pollutants that not only degrade water quality but also pose significant risks to public health.

As the region’s population grows, so does the volume of domestic and industrial wastewater. Unfortunately, sewage treatment infrastructure has not kept up with this expansion. In many areas, untreated waste is discharged directly into the river, contaminating the water with bacteria, viruses and toxins. This creates a breeding ground for waterborne diseases, especially in rural areas where access to clean drinking water is limited.

Swat Qaumi Jirga spokesperson Ahmad Shah told the Khatib that Swat river water was once used for drinking but unfortunately it is no longer suitable for washing hands.

“Agriculture is another major contributor to river pollution. Farmers often rely heavily on chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides, many of which enter river systems during rainfall or irrigation. This agricultural runoff not only harms aquatic life but also contributes to the process of eutrophication, where excess nutrients in water lead to harmful algal blooms that suffocate river ecosystems. “, he said added.

Zubair Torwali, a resident of Bahrain town in Swat and an environmental activist, added that solid waste, especially plastic, is being dumped rapidly on the river banks, blocking the natural flow of water, and unsightly garbage. is generating

“Deforestation in the catchment areas around the river is exacerbating soil erosion, raising sediment levels in the water, further degrading water quality. Tourism is the backbone of Swat’s economy. As an important part, it also contributes to the environmental challenges. Poor waste management, unorganized development and overcrowding during the tourist season increase the pollution level of the region’s environment To become a double-edged sword is at risk”, Torwai said, adding that the pollution of the Swat River is not just an environmental problem but a public health crisis.

Contaminated water increases the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery, especially in rural communities where people depend on the river for drinking water. Pollution also threatens local biodiversity. Fish populations, vital to the local food chain and economy, are increasingly threatened by toxic pollutants and changing river conditions.

Restoring the Swat River to its former health requires a multi-pronged approach, and it must begin with greater awareness and responsibility. Both local government and the community must take a united stand to tackle pollution and protect this important resource.

“Farmers need to be encouraged to adopt more sustainable agricultural practices, such as reducing pesticide and fertilizer use and implementing environment-friendly irrigation techniques. Pakistan Kisan Board General Secretary Ihsan Khan said that training and Awareness programs can help make these changes more accessible, he added, adding that local authorities should establish regulations for responsible tourism to prevent overcrowding and environmental degradation.

This may include establishing proper waste disposal systems, enforcing strict building codes, and educating tourists about the ecological importance of river conservation. Prof. Fazal Rabi, a resident, added that deforestation had to be addressed through replanting efforts and controlling soil erosion in catchment areas. It is necessary to reduce sedimentation in the river. He suggested that local communities should be involved in tree planting campaigns and erosion control measures.