SWABI: Despite imposition of Section 144 by the district administration for proper disposal of offal by staff of tehsil municipal administrations the waste of sacrificial animals remain scattered all around, causing pollution and health hazards here across the district.

During a visit to various areas it was noted that animal waste was spread on roadsides and near drain, creating stinking smell and polluting the environment.

Before Eidul Azha, the TMA officials had told the people to slaughter their sacrificial animals at designated points and that no dumping would be allowed in open spaces.

The staff of Swabi, Chota Lahor, Razaar and Topi TMAs was told to remain alert for ensuring proper cleanliness in their respective tehsil areas during Eid holidays, but they failed to complete the assigned task.

Residents said that earlier it was announced that no negligence would be tolerated in this regard, but the people slaughtered animals at places of their own choice and after completing the sacrificial task they left the offal scattered.

Tordher area was so polluted that it was difficult to pass through the streets. The people slaughtered their animals in front of their houses and left the offal at the edge of drains.

In Topi city, a number of people have thrown the offal in front of Topi police station. Shewa Adda was the most neglected area where no steps were taken to remove the offal.

When contacted, the TMAs’ officials said on condition of anonymity that efficient waste management in the district was not possible because of inadequate logistics, negligence of people and lack of adequate number of garbage trucks and drivers. “There is one tractor trolley with one TMA for the entire city and its suburbs,” a staff member said.

Meanwhile, animal hides bought by traders have been stored at different points in the open in city areas. People have demanded that hides should be stored outside the city areas to avoid pollution.

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2016