ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has been asked to take proactive measures by directing all hotels to install eco-friendly waste disposal plants as improper waste disposal poses health risks, including diseases like dengue and malaria.

Sources in the civic body said recently the directorate of Malaria Control in the Ministry of Health Services, Regulations and Coordination expressed grave concerns over the lack of adequate waste disposal system, specifically for commercial hotels within the limit of Islamabad. The ministry emphasised the need for immediate action to address this critical issue.

A letter dated February 7, which landed in the CDA a few days ago, stated: “One major factor contributing to this outbreak is proliferation of illegal and unregulated junkyards, particularly in areas like Iqbal Town, Soan Garden, G-7/1, G-7/2, G-7/3 and H-10.

“These junkyards collect items like used mineral water bottles, plastic drums and cans that trap water, creating ideal breeding grounds for dengue-vector mosquitoes, specifically Adeas Aegypti and Ae Albopictus. Surveys in these areas consistently find 10 to 23 water storage containers in households, with over 90pc of them uncovered, significantly increasing the risk of mosquito breeding,” the letter added.

Health ministry shares details of rapid rise in dengue fever cases

It said addressing waste disposal was crucial due to its potential to increase health risks, including diseases like dengue and malaria, which also harmed the environment and the aesthetic appeal of our city. The health ministry urged the CDA “to direct commercial hotels to install eco-friendly waste disposal plants, upgrade their waste management system, ensure hotels compliance through diligent monitoring, launch of comprehensive public awareness campaign promoting responsible waste disposal practices and thus contribute significantly to the improvement of overall city cleanliness hygiene standards in Islamabad.”

The ministry also shared the details of rapid rise in dengue fever cases. It said since 2005, Pakistan had witnessed a rapid rise in this disease.

It said between 1995 to 2004, only 669 cases and six deaths were reported in three districts, but from 2005 to 2022, these numbers soared to 298,375 cases and 2,045 deaths across 145 out of 154 districts, agencies and territories of the country.

“The year 2022 reported maximum number of dengue cases (76,210) and 129 deaths, of which 89pc were reported from five mega cities of country - Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Peshawar,” the letter stated.

The ministry also assured the CDA of its full support to control the breeding ground of mosquitoes.

“The health ministry is committed to providing any necessary support and guidance to the CDA in implementing these crucial measures. We kindly request you to treat this matter with utmost urgency and keep the ministry updated on the progress of initiatives taken in this regard,” the letter said, calling for collaborative efforts to ensure a healthier and cleaner environment for all residents and visitors to the city.

CDA’s spokesperson and member technology and digitalisation Nauman Khalid could not be reached for his comment on Wednesday night for his point of view. However, an officer of the CDA said the civic agency had been playing an important role in controlling all type of diseases in Islamabad.

“Frankly speaking, I have no idea about the letter you are referring to. But surely we will implement all those things which will be falling in our preview,” Mr Khalid said.

Published in Dawn, February 15th, 2024