Peshawar: The Peshawar High Court on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the government’s failure to curb canal pollution and environmental degradation in the city.
A two-member green bench, consisting of Justice Ijaz Anwar and Justice Fazal Subhan, heard petitions related to environmental issues. The court summoned top officials, including the Secretary Local Government and the Director General of the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA).
The judges asked for updates on earlier directives regarding canal restoration and sewage separation. PDA’s legal counsel said the department had started separating sewage from canal water and formed a commission as ordered. But Justice Ijaz Anwar said he regularly crossed one of the canals and saw no progress. “This road is in a pathetic state,” he observed, referring to the stretch along Bara River. “Despite heavy traffic, no maintenance is being done.”
He recalled better upkeep from decades ago. “Even tree branches used to be trimmed properly 40 years back. Now, people cut the road to make private access to their land.”
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The petitioner’s lawyer said officials had allowed sewage to enter canals instead of building a separate drainage system. “Farmers can’t grow vegetables anymore,” he said, blaming unfiltered sewage for damaging crops.
DG PDA said work on five canals began in 2020, but only 15% progress had been made. He added that sewage separation would come first, followed by treatment plant construction — but only if funds were available. PDA’s lawyer said the department was facing financial constraints.
Justice Ijaz Anwar criticized the lack of will. “The government talks about climate change in hotel seminars but fails to act. If officials can’t do the job, they should step aside.”
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The petitioner’s counsel reminded the court that five years had passed since the issue emerged, yet the condition had worsened. Crops had stopped growing in many areas due to contaminated water.
The judge also questioned action against stone-crushing plants. The Environmental Protection Agency’s assistant director said they had asked for reports from district and industry departments and would submit them once received. He added that 12 brick kilns had shifted to zigzag technology to reduce emissions.
An irrigation official assured the court that sewage would no longer be allowed to enter the canals along Canal Road. The Peshawar High Court adjourned the hearing, asking all departments to submit written reports in the next session.
