Balochistan High Court seeks reports on sewage water use in Quetta
Dawn · Saleem Shahid ·
Court observes that untreated wastewater could contain hazardous substances, which may enter agricultural produce and cause serious health complications.
QUETTA: The Balochistan High Court has expressed serious concern over the continued use of untreated sewage water for irrigating vegetable and fodder crops in Quetta and surrounding areas, warning that the practice could pose significant risks to public health and food safety.
A two-member bench, comprising Justice Iqbal Ahmed Kasi and Justice Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta, directed the Director General of the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency (Bepa), Managing Director of the Water and Sanitation Authority (Wasa), and the Quetta Administrator to submit detailed reports before the next hearing.
The court observed that untreated wastewater could contain hazardous substances, including arsenic, heavy metals and other toxic contaminants, which may enter agricultural produce and cause serious health complications.