Experts warn of water depletion, pollution

FAISALABAD: On the eve of World Earth Day, experts from the water and agriculture sectors voiced concern over the fast depletion of groundwater reserves and growing pollution in river systems caused by untreated wastewater and the improper disposal of solid waste.

Speaking at events organised in connection with Earth Day, which was observed globally under the theme 'Our Planet, Our Earth 2026', participants stressed the need for sustainable environmental practices to protect natural resources.

Dr Naveed Rasul, professor at the Department of Soil Sciences at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, said the theme highlighted the importance of protecting the planet as the main source of food, fibre and other essential resources for people. He said proper waste management was vital in addressing climate change, noting that greenhouse gas emissions were a major factor in environmental deterioration.

Referring to Faisalabad, Dr Rasul said the city produces around 1,200 to 1,300 tons of household waste every day. He said a large portion of this waste is disposed of at landfill sites, while programmes such as Suthra Punjab have helped improve waste management through the establishment of proper landfill facilities.

He added that bioenergy initiatives were also being introduced to turn organic waste into methane and biogas. According to him, plants are planned in Lahore and at two sites in Faisalabad.

Dr Rasul also identified crop residue burning, especially rice straw and sugarcane waste, as a major environmental challenge. He said government measures helped stop nearly 75% of such burning last year, which significantly reduced smog and respiratory illnesses. He added that collected biomass was now being converted into fuel for industrial use as an environmentally friendly alternative.

Earth Day activities held at university

Vice Chancellor of Government College Women University Faisalabad Dr Kanwal Ameen launched Earth Day activities with an awareness walk and a tree plantation campaign under a zero-waste drive. Around 200 saplings were planted during the event to promote environmental awareness among students and faculty members.

Wastewater treatment remains limited

Water expert Adnan Nisar, general manager of the Punjab Municipal Development Fund Company, highlighted wastewater treatment as a major concern. He said less than one per cent of wastewater in Punjab is treated.

In Faisalabad, he said, nearly 310 million gallons of wastewater are generated each day, but only seven per cent is treated. He said the city’s only functioning treatment plant, located in Chokera, has been operating since 1998.

Adnan Nisar said a new treatment plant with a capacity of 33 million gallons per day is being installed near Satiana Road. Once operational, it is expected to raise the city’s treatment capacity to about 14%.

Experts also warned that untreated sewage is being used extensively for vegetable farming, which they said poses serious health risks. They called for modern wastewater treatment infrastructure to be developed across urban centres.