In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a law enacted to protect canals and drains from pollution has failed to prove effective over the past 11 years. Despite strict penalties, no one has been punished during this period for dumping garbage, plastic waste, or sewage into canals.

Throwing waste into canals is increasing water pollution, while millions of rupees are being spent every year on cleaning them. Experts say that cleaning alone is not enough; unless the law is strictly enforced, the problem cannot be resolved.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly passed the Canal and Drainage (Amendment) Act in 2015. Under this law, dumping garbage, plastic bags, and sewage into canals and drains is a punishable offense.

Also Read : Peshawar’s 6,260 Manholes Left Uncovered, Citizens at Risk

 It also includes provisions for action against encroachments and illegal constructions along canal banks.

Before the amendment, the penalty for dumping waste into canals was only a fine of Rs50 and one month in prison.

 After 2015, the fine was increased to Rs20,000, along with imprisonment ranging from one to two years. The aim was to keep canals clean and remove obstructions to water flow.

Despite this, the canal system in Peshawar, Nowshera, and other districts remains heavily polluted. 

Three major canals originating from Warsak Dam pass through different areas of Peshawar, where garbage and sewage water are being discharged into them.

According to the Irrigation Department, the province has a canal network spanning 4,060 kilometers. This year, 2,030 kilometers of canals are undergoing annual cleaning.

 In Peshawar alone, more than Rs441 million has been allocated this year for this purpose.

Provincial Minister Riaz Khan stated that the province’s canal system irrigates over 2.5 million acres of agricultural land, which is crucial for the province’s economy and food security.

 Experts warn that if canals are not protected from pollution, both agricultural production and public health could suffer.

Experts and citizens have urged the government to ensure strict implementation of the law, take action against violators, and raise public awareness to safeguard the canal system.