Water Day observed in Swat

MINGORA: The speakers at a seminar on Thursday said hotels and houses situated near Swat River were polluting the river and urged the district and provincial governments to take steps to keep the river clean.

The Water and Sanitation Services Company (WSSC) had organised the seminar at the Swat Press Club in connection with the World Water Day. Speaking on the occasion, Sheda Muhammad, chief executive officer, WSSC, said that 1600 million people in Pakistan do not have access to clean drinking water.

“Pakistan is in the list of those 10 countries where majority of the people are deprived of clean drinking water facility and are compelled to use contaminated water,” said Sheda Muhammad. “Politicians should play their role to create awareness among the masses about clean water,” stated City Nazim Ikram Khan.

He said that hotels and houses situated near River Swat are polluting the river. He urged the district and provincial governments to take steps to keep the river clean and punish those polluting it. Earlier, a walk was arranged from the Nishat Chowk to the Swat Press Club to raise awareness about the importance of water.

March 22 is observed as World Water Day. According to the UN, the theme this year is to explore that how we can use nature to overcome the water challenges of the 21st century. Our correspondent adds from Mardan: Water and sanitation services Mardan arranged a walk in connection with World Water Day. The walk started from Bacha Khan Chowk and culminated at the Mardan Press Club.