Sabzi Mandi’s Garbage Crisis: A Public Health Catastrophe in the Making
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Islamabad: The I-11 Sabzi Mandi, Islamabad’s largest fruit and vegetable market, has become a symbol of environmental neglect and governance failure as improper garbage disposal continues to jeopardize public health.
The market, a key hub for trade, is now notorious for its mountains of rotting fruits and vegetables that emit a pervasive stench, creating severe discomfort for nearby residents, commuters, and businesses.
Unbearable Stench
Piles of decaying organic waste dominate the landscape, turning the area into an unsanitary dumping ground. Despite repeated complaints, both the Market Committee and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) have failed to act, exacerbating the problem.
Residents and commuters express their outrage. “The smell is unbearable. Every time I pass through this area, I have to hold my breath,” said Raza Ranjha, a motorcyclist.
Sadia Babar, a college student who frequently commutes by bus, described the stench as “overwhelming and embarrassing,” while delivery rider Samiullah remarked that passing through the area is “the worst part of his job.”
Shoppers, too, are abandoning the market. Sheikh Ansar, a once-regular visitor, shared, “I used to buy my groceries here, but I avoid it now. The waste problem has made the market unsanitary.”
Governance in Question
The Market Committee, responsible for managing the Sabzi Mandi, has faced mounting criticism for its inaction. Vendors accuse the committee of failing to educate traders on proper waste disposal or provide solutions like composting facilities.
Secretary of the Market Committee, Muhammad Saqib, refused to comment when approached, further highlighting the lack of accountability.
The CDA’s Sanitation Directorate, tasked with citywide waste management, has also been unresponsive. Repeated attempts to contact CDA officials for comments went unanswered, leaving citizens disheartened and angry.
Environmental Hazards Mounting
Experts warn of dire health and environmental consequences. Dr. Maria Khan, an environmental specialist, highlighted the release of methane gas from decomposing organic waste, contributing to air pollution and climate change. She also warned of leachate contaminating groundwater, posing serious health risks.
Public health expert Dr. Mubashar explained that prolonged exposure to decaying waste can lead to respiratory problems, skin allergies, and diseases like dengue and typhoid. “These conditions create a breeding ground for pests and rodents, which pose additional health risks,” he said.
Lost Business
The waste crisis has affected businesses beyond the market. A multinational cash-and-carry store located near the dumping site has reported a decline in customers. “The smell drives people away,” said an employee on condition of anonymity. The unsanitary environment not only deters shoppers but also tarnishes the capital’s image.
Residents, experts, and environmentalists are demanding urgent interventions. Proposed solutions include: Sustainable Waste Management: Introducing composting facilities to process decayed produce into fertilizer.
Regulations for Traders: Enforcing waste segregation and proper disposal practices among vendors.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating shopkeepers and customers on waste management and its environmental impact.
Regular Clean-Ups: Immediate action by the CDA’s Sanitation Directorate to clear the existing waste and ensure routine clean-ups.
The Clock Is Ticking
If the authorities fail to act, the escalating garbage crisis at I-11 Sabzi Mandi will continue to harm public health, degrade the environment, and tarnish Islamabad’s reputation.
Citizens demand accountability and an end to the neglect that has turned one of the city’s busiest markets into a public health nightmare.
