TAXILA: With severe shortage of water in the underground wells of Narra and Malangi areas, over 50 families in the remote Jand tehsil of Attock have been faced with a drought-like situation since the past few months.

Following the water crisis, residents of the area are forced to travel to far-flung areas to fetch water from ponds where rain water was accumulated.

Ismail Khattak, a resident of the area while expressing the gravity of the situation said, “Previously we used to fetch water from a single well located in the village but now because of rising temperatures, the water level in wells has decreased due to which we have to walk several kilometres to fetch water.

“Another well located in a boys school of the area also dried up and residents are forced to drink saline water of nearby ponds. There is no water available for students in their educational institutions and unsafe water causes becomes the cause for abdominal diseases and hepatitis.”

Residents are forced to travel to far-flung areas to fetch water from ponds

Amir Ghani, a social activist of the area said that underground wells are drying out at a fast pace due to which residents get little water after waiting for a very long time. Along with the people, the cattle have to suffer as they are given water after three or four days, he said, adding that usage of saline water is causing a lot of health issues for residents of the area especially children.

“It is a difficult condition for both our children and our cattle and we do not know whether we should work for livelihood or spend all our time searching for water for survival as summer season is here and water ponds are drying fast due to high temperature in the hilly area,” he added.

Wazir Khan said residents of the area have submitted applications to elected representatives for provision of clean drinking water but it has all been in vain. Ayesha bibi, 11, who was fetching water from a pond along with another eight-year-old said that they had no option but to drink saline water as there is no other means of water in the area available for them.

Residents of the area fear that the situation may get worse if the government does not take action within time.

Munaza Peerzada, chairwoman of a non-governmental organisation said that in 2010, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution recognising “the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as a human right” and in 2015 the human right to sanitation was also explicitly recognised as a distinct right. Under this resolution, the member countries are asked to work towards achieving universal access to water and sanitation for all, without discrimination, while prioritising those most in need.

Residents of the area have appealed to retired Minister for Revenue Col Anwar Khan, deputy commissioner (Attock) and others concerned to take the notice of their important issues and facilitate their solution on an immediate basis on humanitarian grounds.

Published in Dawn, April 2nd, 2022