Daily Times

No doubt, solid waste management is an uphill task owing to rampant population explosion across the world but the sense of responsibility reaps positive outcomes and long-term benefits. Pakistan alone generates about 82,000 tons of waste daily. Due to a lack of resources and will, except for few, most areas depict abysmal status when it comes to waste management as huge heaps of waste alongside the unpaved roads, railway tracks, canals, empty plots could be witnessed easily. This terrible situation gives rise to various environmental, social, aesthetic and social issues.

The festive event of Eid-ul-Adha is drawing near and Muslims will sacrifice their animals in the way of Almighty to get blessings. Similarly, it’s our foremost duty to not let the half of our faith become affected through inadequate cleanliness practices because our county is already entangled in the trap of deadly coronavirus and striving hard to get out of this menace. Moreover, our drainage system is not up to the mark to tackle monsoon rains. No one has even bothered or paid heed to strengthen this system. The appalling situation of Karachi is in front of us. Provincial government over there was already in the limelight for not providing sufficient services to collect solid waste. However, it’s next to impossible to lift 10 years of unintended waste-a gargantuan task for concerned authorities owing to insufficient manpower and resources. Now, heavy rains and Karachi’s deficient drainage system are enough to put the incumbent provincial government in hot waters once again. At this juncture, let’s imagine when waste of sacrificial animals becomes a part of this floating water in the streets!

Waste of sacrificial animals on the roadside emanates unprecedented impacts on our health, our environment and surroundings

It would not only be disastrous for the environment but put public health in jeopardy. That is undoubtedly alarming!!

When it comes to the existing situation, the question that arises here: who is to be blamed for this imbroglio-government or the public? To be honest, no one is blame-free for this pell-mell situation. It is not sensible to merely blame the government. There are other culprits for this prevailing menace. One is public. Moreover, government and concerned authorities always react haphazardly; without taking into account the real root cause of the problem and seem to squander massive resources for nothing. Apart from obsolete legislation, lack of trained personnel, futile infrastructure and financial constraints, one of the major reasons for this conundrum is a lack of awareness amongst the largest segment of the society.

To cope with this unprecedented danger, all of us have to play a role along with authorities. We should not forget that “Cleanliness is half of faith.”

If we could spend a huge amount of money on sacrificial animals, why do we throw the remainings/ sacrificial waste unintended in the streets and avoid using appropriate waste bags, which only cost peanuts? Remember, waste of sacrificial animals on the roadside emanates unprecedented impacts on our health, our environment and surroundings. This lack of sense of responsibility might have some serious implications for the health of others. No one would like to become a threat to others due to minor negligence. Therefore, we have to change this mindset to keep cities clean for a healthy environment and surroundings. At this juncture, it is pertinent to mention here that concerned authorities are in full swing to manage sacrificial waste but it’s our responsibility to help them out and keep our surroundings clean. It would be a great contribution and this is the way to become an Ambassador of Clean & Green Pakistan. This would surely help the government achieve the milestone of cleanliness before the set target. In a similar vein, Masjid is a perfect place to sensitise masses to harness fruitful results during festive events like Eids. Concerned authorities should pay heed to this component to turn the tide to its favour.

Let’s raise this slogan on this blessed event “My waste, my responsibility.”

On Eid-ul-Adha, wishing that our sacrifices are appreciated and our prayers are answered by the Almighty.

Have a blessed Eid Al-Adha!

The writer is a young professional who works as a Health Safety & Environment Officer at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH & RC)