Nearly 700 metric tonnes of garbage being collected from the different areas of federal capital on daily is disposed of at temporary dumping site in I-12 along IJP Road, exposing the residents of the adjoining areas to a grave danger.
Despite the only planned and beautiful city in the country, Islamabad does not have a garbage dumping site. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) shifted the temporary dumping site from H-12 to I-12, but it has not put in place a permanent solution to this problem.
Thousands of people settled on the other side of the road in Rawalpindi are facing health problems due to unbearable smell of garbage strewn on a large stretch of land while thick clouds of smoke released by the garbage when it is burnt in the evening make it difficult for people of Allahabad, Slamanabad, Habib Colony, Aliabad and British Homes to breathe.
The most affected localities include Allahabad, Salmanabad, Habib Colony, Aliabad and British Homes.
Aslam Haider, a resident of an area along IJP Road in Rawalpindi, said the situation is becoming unbearable for them as thick smoke and stinking smell from garbage have made their life miserable. He pointed out that the situation in their neighbourhood worsens during rain, adding, even light rain floods the nearby ‘nullah’ and inundates streets and roads with slush and garbage, making it difficult for people to walk.
Abdul Karim, another resident, opined that the concerned authority should shift the garbage-dumping site in the best interest of people, as it is spreading different diseases among people living around it.
A large number of travelling IJP Road complained about unbearable smell and smoke while passing through this area.
When contacted, a spokesman of CDA said that work is under process for acquiring a permanent place for dumping site. He said that the civil body would also consult the private sector for the permanent solution of garbage disposal.
According to him, the CDA would shift the dumping site to another location soon.
For this purpose, they have around 500 kanals of land in Shah Allah Ditta, but unfortunately ‘qabza mafia’ has occupied the garbage-dumping site.
