Industrial effluent is polluting groundwater reserves badly, resulting in the outbreak of diseases and environmental pollution whereas the crops and vegetables, which are being cultivated by this water, can cause serious health hazards.
It was echoed by experts at international seminar titled "water footprint of cotton value chain" jointly arranged by US-Pak Center for Advanced Studies for Agriculture & Food Security, and Faculty of Agri Engineering and Technology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF).
UAF Vice Chancellor Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan stressed upon effort to control effects producing with chemical waters released by industry. He said that industry is polluting ground water which is harmful for agriculture and drinking usage and urged the experts, scientist and policy makers to play their effective role to cope with this challenge.
He viewed that one of the major socioeconomic challenge is the mismanagement of water resources. He said that no life is possible without water as water is key factor for irrigation, food security, economic growth, energy production, industry and human health. He said time is right for promoting the rational use of water across the country to save coming generation. He added we are not treating industrial waste which is deteriorating water quality. He said that massive amount of water is being pumped out from tube-wells, which is lowering the groundwater levels and worsening water health.
Talking about water efficient crops, he added that we need to promote less water intensive crops in view of water shortage in Pakistan. Water reserves have shrunk from 5000 Cusec meter to 850 cusec meter.
Dr. Franck Andreas Weber from Aachen University Germany said that nitrate pollution for the ground water was the largest challenge in Germany. He said steps are needed to curb increasing pollution. He said that Pakistan-Germany enhanced ties in academic and research would help address the issue. He said the whole world is faced with water shortage problem and it can pose a threat to food security.
Dr. Bernhard Tischbein from Bonn University Germany said that rivers are being polluted due to the effluent of industries. He said that the collaborated efforts and interdisciplinary approaches are vital to fight the issue and to provide a healthy environment for the people.
Dean Faculty of Agri Engineering Dr. Allah Buksh said that industrial effluent treatment was essential to provide the healthy environment to the citizen. He stressed the need to expedite joint efforts for the cause. He said that it is the need of the hour to treat the industrial and waste water. He stated that the climate change is a serious threat to the people and Pakistan will be its worst victim.
Dr. Christopher Conrad said natural ecology system is suffering. He said that the industrial effluent will pose a serious threat if tangible steps are not taken. Dr. Christian Grim and Dr. Usman also spoke on the occasion.
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