Peshawar - Massive rural-urban population influx is gradually adding to the problems of major cities in terms of fresh air, clean drinking water, sanitation coverage, and waste disposal, exposing millions of residents to environmental and health hazards. Sanitation coverage has emerged as a persistent challenge for city governments in light of the growing number of poor localities and slum areas, where residents often defecate in the open or lack access to proper toilets. Peshawar, once known as the “City of Flowers,” is not exempt from this phenomenon, as numerous localities still lack sanitation coverage despite government claims of launching several projects in this area.
The city’s historical charm, characterized by its Mughal-era gardens and fragrant Guli Dawoodi blooms, is being overshadowed by pollution, poor waste management, and inadequate sanitation infrastructure. Smoggy cities in dire need of mass transit system Safdar Baghi, former Nazim of Nothia Jadeed, pointed to areas like Kohati, Gunj, Khalasa, Hazarkhwani, Lateefabad, and Faqirabad, which vividly illustrate the sanitation and sewerage crisis. Visitors often encounter unpleasant odors from garbage and rusty pipes spewing contaminated water.
“The situation in these localities, situated in the heart of the city, portrays a grim picture of sanitation and cleanliness services,” Safdar said. “Foul odors from uncovered drains, stagnant sewage, and the absence of toilets make these neighborhoods hazardo.