Muhammad Saleem

Denmark and Pakistan are collaborating to address environmental challenges, particularly air and water pollution in Faisalabad. Muhammad Asif, the Director General of the Faisalabad Development Authority (FDA), said that this partnership aims to plant the seeds for a greener future. He said that two agencies from both countries are working together on the mega project of establishing a wastewater treatment plant in Faisalabad. He said that the project will help resolve environmental pollution in Faisalabad. The agencies involved, including the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) and Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), are enjoying mutual communication, trust, and cooperation.

He noted that efforts are underway to strengthen their ties as both countries share strong and sustainable relations. He remarked that sensing the importance of wastewater treatment, a seminar was also organized a couple of weeks ago in Faisalabad. He said the Danish Ambassador to Pakistan Jakob Linulf also addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of the project to be launched jointly by Denmark and Pakistan. Muhammad Shaukat, a former officer of the environment department, talking to Wealthpk, said, “we need to tackle pollution head-on and address pollution-related issues as a top priority to avoid potential threats and ensure positive change.”

He emphasized that collaboration between Denmark and Pakistan is crucial in the face of rapid climate change. He mentioned that his department has been working efficiently in the district to minimize the pollution; however, such efforts are not enough. “We have to improve our performance to keep the city clean, as climate change is wreaking havoc on public health,”  he said. He said in recent years, the environmental issues have become increasingly pressing for cities around the world, and Faisalabad is no exception. He pointed out that Faisalabad is known as the textile capital of Pakistan, which is unfortunately facing significant environmental challenges.

The denizens of the district have been grappling with air pollution and water contamination for years, he said. The industrial effluent discharged untreated into local water bodies is creating health issues for the people of Faisalabad. He said such effluent is also polluting the environment and leading to smog, making it difficult for people to breathe in the fresh air. He said that this season, Faisalabad has also experienced high levels of smog, highlighting the importance of measures to combat the scourge of environmental pollution.

Muhammad Ashraf, a teacher at a state-run university, told Wealthpk that climate change is taking place across the globe rapidly and recently Pakistan and its neighboring countries faced the full brunt of the unbridled issue of smog. He said the Punjab government has to take strict measures to control smog, which puts a damper on business growth and the educational activities of students. He said it's a responsibility of the people to contribute along with the government to get rid of the pollution. “Without playing our role, we cannot ensure a safe and clean environment for future generations.”

“We have to accept that pollution is not letting us off the hook and posing a significant threat to human health. Now is the time to take the bull by the horns, otherwise, environmental and air pollution will hit us hard,” he said. Asif Chaudhary claimed that the initial work of the project has been completed, and next year, the ball will start rolling in Faisalabad as construction work launches. He said the plant is crucial for the district to combat the surging pollution levels.

Credit: INP-WealthPk