Environmental Alarms in Mohmand's Marble Industry

The marble industry in Mohmand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, faces criticism for causing environmental and safety issues. Despite efforts to relocate factories, hazardous practices persist, risking water systems and infrastructure. Experts call for strict regulation enforcement to prevent further damage, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.

The marble industry in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Mohmand district, once celebrated for its economic contributions, is now under fire for its adverse environmental impact. Concerned residents and experts have raised alarms about industrial practices threatening water resources, agriculture, and regional infrastructure.

Dawn reports that Mohmand is rich in natural resources like marble, chromite, and nephrite, which have historically supported livelihoods and boosted the local economy. However, the lack of stringent regulatory frameworks has led to significant environmental degradation.

The Mohmand Marble City project, renamed as the Mohmand Economic Zone at Machnai, aimed to relocate industrial operations into a controlled environment with waste management systems. Still, the majority of factories remain in Halimzai tehsil, particularly in Chanda, Sangar, and Nasapai, releasing untreated waste into streams and escalating flood risks. Officials warn that obstructed drainage could severely damage homes, farmland, and roads, while small dams built to alleviate water shortages are at risk of being overwhelmed by debris.

Frustration grows as authorities seem unresponsive despite persistent complaints. Experts call for immediate action, with rigorous environmental law enforcement, relocation of harmful units, and urgent cleaning of dams and waterways to avert further ecological and infrastructural damage.

(With inputs from agencies.)