Vacant plots in residential areas in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are fast turning into garbage dumping grounds, where people allegedly dispose of domestic waste without caring for the health and hygiene of those living there.
During a survey, APP found that vacant plots in the federal capital and adjoining areas had been converted into garbage dumping points.
Amir Ali, a resident of Bara Kaho, said that a vacant piece of land in front of his house had turned into a big garbage dumping area, where people would throw their domestic waste.
“The stench from the garbage heaps is so unbearable that it’s become difficult for people to live in this area,” Amir said, adding that this had heightened a fear of stray dogs’ attacking their children, “Surprisingly, even educated people come out in their cars to dump waste in this area.”
Another resident of Sector I-10 said, “My house is built in a way that the kitchen is adjacent to a vacant plot and more often than not, garbage bundles land close to our house.”
“This illegal dumping ground has fast become a breeding ground for insects, especially during monsoon.” he said, “Residents are responsible for making it a dumping ground and turning the lives of people into hell.”
Huriya said that people urinating on vacant plots is another issue that requires immediate attention. The CDA Environment Department Official, while talking to APP, said that civic authorities spend a huge amount annually on door-to-door collection of garbage and transportation to dumping yards.
However people should also be blamed. Many homes use these vacant sites in their neighbourhoods to dump garbage. Unless they join hands with the civic authorities in keeping the city clean, this task can not be achieved.
The CDA official said “We are in the process of cleaning up private and public lands that were used as dumping yards, and it would take another month for us to set things right.”
