Clean City, Dirty Reality: Peshawar’s Sanitation Struggles Continue
Fakhar e Alam
Peshawar, once celebrated as the “City of Flowers,” is facing a critical sanitation crisis exacerbated by rapid rural-to-urban migration.
As the population swells, the city grapples with deteriorating air quality, insufficient clean drinking water, and inadequate waste disposal systems. Millions are exposed to serious health hazards as slum areas emerge, lacking proper sanitation facilities.
The challenge of ensuring sanitary conditions in these expanding localities has become a pressing concern for city governments, calling for urgent and comprehensive solutions.
Beauty and Decay
The charm of Peshawar, characterized by its Mughal-era gardens and fragrant Guli Dawoodi blooms, is fading under the weight of pollution and poor waste management.
Areas like Kohati, Gunj, and Faqirabad illustrate the stark contrast between the city’s historical allure and the grim reality of modern urban life.
Residents navigate neighborhoods plagued by unpleasant odors and the sight of stagnant sewage, a consequence of inadequate infrastructure. Safdar Baghi, a former local leader, paints a bleak picture: “Foul odors, stagnant sewage, and a lack of proper toilets create hazardous conditions for residents.
Despite claims of ongoing government initiatives to address sanitation issues, many areas still lack basic amenities.
Mian Javaid, Director of Sanitation, notes the pressing need for collaborative efforts between authorities and communities. Pilot projects in Swabi aimed to improve sanitation by constructing low-cost latrines and distributing hygiene kits, benefiting thousands.
However, as the population continues to grow, these efforts must expand to meet the needs of all residents.
The Path Forward
While the government’s Municipal Services Program has made strides in improving sanitation, the work is far from complete. Spokesperson Hassan Khan emphasizes that nearly 2 million residents now have access to clean drinking water and waste management, but the challenge remains to educate the public about sanitation’s importance.
Open defecation persists in rural areas, highlighting the need for awareness campaigns. Minister Arshad Ayub Khan asserts that initiatives under the KP Clean and Green initiative aim to construct modern waste treatment plants and expand sewerage systems.
He underscores the vital role of media, civil society, and religious leaders in promoting improved sanitation practices to safeguard public health.
Peshawar’s future depends on a concerted effort to address these sanitation challenges, restoring its identity as a city of beauty and health rather than one overshadowed by decay and neglect.
