Dera Ismail Khan: The public is distressed due to the spread of various life-threatening diseases in Dera Ismail Khan. The open use of contaminated sewage water from drainage lines for vegetable cultivation has raised serious concerns about the negligence of the district administration, the Food Department, and senior health officials.
The consumption of vegetables grown with this toxic sewage water has led to the spread of numerous hazardous diseases among citizens. The public has demanded immediate action from the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Provincial Health Minister, the Provincial Food Minister, and the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to reports received by Daily Pashtun Millat newspaper in Dera Ismail Khan, sewage water from the entire drainage line of Mufti Mehmood Memorial Hospital flows directly towards the riverside. However, some unscrupulous individuals, driven by greed and the desire to save costs, are putting the lives of Dera’s citizens at risk. These individuals openly use this contaminated water to irrigate their vegetable fields, growing seasonal vegetables that are then sold in the market.
This practice is widespread from Mufti Mehmood Hospital to the surrounding areas of Dhapan Wala Bund. It is extremely hazardous to health, and the consumption of these vegetables is causing diseases like skin infections, respiratory issues, Hepatitis C, and even cancer.
When questioned, some farmers at the site admitted that they have been using this sewage water on their lands for years without any interference from relevant department officials. They claimed no officer or staff member has ever stopped them or informed them about the health hazards of this practice.
Citizens have urged the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Provincial Health Minister, the Provincial Food Minister, and the Chief Secretary to take immediate legal action against the landlords involved in this crime. They have also demanded accountability for the negligence of the officials from the concerned departments and the immediate termination of this harmful practice.
This illegal activity extends from the backside of the NADRA office to the slaughterhouse, yet no attention has been paid to it. The real reason behind this negligence might be the involvement of some corrupt officials who are allegedly accepting bribes from these individuals, thereby granting them unofficial permission to continue.
The vegetables being irrigated with this toxic water include spinach, carrots, turnips, and many others. According to doctors, the consumption of such vegetables is rapidly spreading diseases like cancer, jaundice, and various other illnesses.
The public has appealed to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sardar Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, Member of the National Assembly Sardar Faisal Amin Khan Gandapur, and Tehsil Mayor of Dera Ismail Khan Sardar Umar Amin Khan Gandapur, as well as other senior authorities, to take strict action against those involved in this crime. They have also demanded that legal cases be registered against these individuals in the relevant police stations.
