Residents seek action over medical waste dumped along river in Charsadda

CHARSADDA: Residents have raised alarm over the dumping of hazardous medical waste along the bank of the Swat River in Charsadda and called for immediate action by the authorities.

According to residents, the area contains large amounts of used syringes, blood-stained test tubes, laboratory vials and other healthcare waste, heightening concerns about environmental pollution and the potential spread of communicable diseases. They said the dumping spot is close to a riverbank area frequented by families and young people, especially in summer when hundreds visit the Swat River for swimming and leisure.

Residents warned that the discarded material poses a direct risk to public health. They said used syringes and broken laboratory glass could cause injuries to visitors, while blood-contaminated waste could expose people to dangerous infections. They also claimed that some private laboratories had been disposing of used syringes, contaminated test tubes and other infectious material at the site for a long time, and that the waste had continued to build up without monitoring or intervention by the authorities.

The residents further said there was a risk that the waste could be washed into the Swat River during rain or flooding, contaminating the water and threatening aquatic life. They added that children often play near the riverbank, increasing the possibility of accidental contact with contaminated syringes and other sharp objects.

Concerns over environmental and health risks

Environmental experts said medical waste is classified as hazardous because it may contain infectious material capable of spreading disease if it is not handled and disposed of under prescribed safety standards. They said improper disposal of healthcare waste could pollute soil and water resources, harm wildlife and expose waste handlers as well as the general public to avoidable health dangers.

Residents have urged the district administration, the district health officer and the Environmental Protection Agency to inspect the site without delay, remove the hazardous material and ensure its safe disposal. They also called on the authorities to identify those responsible for the alleged illegal dumping.

In addition, the residents demanded strict enforcement of medical waste management rules for hospitals, clinics and diagnostic laboratories operating in the district. They said regular inspections and effective monitoring were necessary to ensure that infectious waste is treated and disposed of through approved methods instead of being thrown into open areas, and called for a crackdown on violators of disposal regulations.