Summary Irrigation Department officials warn that consuming contaminated water could increase the risk of health problems, including kidney-related illnesses, hepatitis, skin conditions and stomach diseases.
JAMSHORO (Dunya News) – The Irrigation Department has raised concerns over the deteriorating quality of water in the Indus River, with the Executive Engineer of Kotri Barrage warning that the water has become unfit for drinking.
According to the department, toxic water from Manchhar Lake and chemically contaminated discharge from Matiari Sugar Mills are entering the Indus River. The Superintendent Engineer of the Kalri Baghdar Division has also been informed of the situation in writing.
Officials warned that consuming contaminated water could increase the risk of health problems, including kidney-related illnesses, hepatitis, skin conditions and stomach diseases.
They recommended stopping the use of the water if total dissolved solids (TDS) levels remain excessively high.
Irrigation Department data shows that the TDS level in the Indus River stood at 660 on September 30 but rose to 940 on October 1.
The department cited the WHO guideline of 1,000 mg/L and said a Water Quality Control Laboratory at Mehran University had described the water as extremely toxic.
The department has called for the immediate release of fresh water into the Indus River to improve water quality.
The Kotri Barrage supplies water to Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Kotri and Karachi, raising concerns over the potential impact on water supplies to these areas.
The Irrigation Department has urged the Hyderabad Water and Sewerage Authority, the Public Health Department of Hyderabad-Jamshoro and other local government institutions to immediately stop supplying the affected water until the situation is addressed.
