Environmental degradation in Chitral
Amidst the scenario of roaring slogans of political parties and hot
debates on various issues, I want to drive your attention to yet
another serious issue and that is the environmental degradation in
Chitral.
Chitral, a remote district of Pakistan, once or maybe still is
famous for picturesque landscape and breathtaking natural beauty of
its valleys, is now loosing its charm! One of the reasons is the
rise in pollution especially at the ‘heart’ of the district. A
number of actions that, in general, appear to be ineffective, are
collectively making a slow but, nevertheless, serious impact on the
overall outlook of the city.
Although, the non-custom paid vehicles brought illegally from
Afghanistan have made life easier and served as means of livelihood
for some, yet on the other hand, they have made life harder for
pedestrians and have turned the once walkable roads into a horrible
messy scene of traffic jams where all you can breathe in is nothing,
but smoke and dust!! There seem to be more pieces of metals running
on the roads than humans! As a result of no parking areas, vehicles
are parked anywhere, causing great traffic chaos. When you walk
through the main bazaar, there is a fine chance of loosing your
consciousness due to excessive smoke and dust inhalation, thus
getting smashed by the crowd or maybe slammed by a car! While
crossing the road is the most difficult task, as you have to engage
both of your eyes on either sides of the one-way road
simultaneously, the situation becomes more intense when a siren type
of horn by a monster truck strikes on your sensitive eardrums,
causing pain!! In addition to this, your sensory organs are tested
by the fumes released by garbage all around. The ‘eye-catching’ view
of litter and overflowing drains adds its own special effects to the
surroundings! However, it must be noted that the situation is
definitely not like this if you go out of the district center
(Chitral Town) or main Chitral. But it is always the district center
that makes the very first impression of the whole area!!
The uncovered/unprotected drainage system has become an easy means
for everyone to dispose of waste materials. All toxic
substances/pollutants from hospitals to service stations, from
markets to residential areas, are thrown into the drains which
eventually flow into the river, causing huge amount of pollution,
destroying the marine life as well. Due to this practice, heaps of
pollutants can be found anywhere especially by the river.
Unfortunately, the people still seem to be unaware or pretending to
be unaware of the harsh consequences, as they themselves are the
main polluters, injecting tons of pollutants into the water, air and
soil on daily basis! Similarly, the massive amount of deforestation
adds more fuel to the problem.
The issue here is, as mentioned above, the lack of honest, competent
and dutiful people in concerned offices. Besides, the residents are
equally blamable for their irresponsible and indifferent attitude
towards the matter. Both the parties should take it serious before
it gets out of hand and work side-by-side to, at least, decrease the
level of pollution if not finish it! Actions on individual levels
should be taken like why throw a wrapper on land, instead keep it in
your pocket until you reach home and burn it. Our little efforts can
together play a vital role in transforming Chitral into a green and
clean district of Pakistan. The government needs to act and
supervise everything as a responsible body. Without any support from
government and non-government agencies, the people alone cannot
solve environmental issues and others.
There must be a
check on everything, whether the matter is excessive deforestation,
inflow of illegal vehicles, upkeep of drainage system and roads or
the cleaning and disposing of wastes/pollutants. In short, all
possible measures should be taken in order to control pollution and
provide a healthy environment for the locals and tourists to enjoy
the healthy environment. The role of nature is that of mother. As
mother feeds her child, likewise we feed on planet earth and we need
to take care of it as our mother, or else, get ready to face the
severe consequences!.
-- Junaid Saleh Hayat, Chitral 29 June 2012.
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