Environmental Contamination and Urbanization: The Alarming Future of Human Health and Resources

The results of 6th Population and Housing Census of Pakistan (2017) showed that currently 32 million houses are present in Pakistan. The rise in population is usually observed sue to informal expansion of cities due to numerous factors like topographical constrains, transportation infrastructure and biophysical characteristics in specific pattern. This pattern of expansion largely affects urban formation. Infrastructure development and services affect the emerging cities. Pakistan has been ranked as world’s most populous country in 2015. The growing population has not only overburdened the natural resources and economic growth but also contributed to increase in dissolute, unchecked and far-stretched cities in Pakistan. Pakistan Integrated Household Survey (1998-1999), Labor Force Survey (1997-1998) and Pakistan Census (1998) are the only data sets available to determine the demographic transitions. In short, no proper data records are available to determine the exact population of the country in this digital age; how can the carrying capacity and design of the cities be determined effectively. The over utilization of resources coupled with rapidly and unchecked growing population has led to serious deterioration of resources in Pakistan.
While congesting areas raise the issues of ailing health quality, many environmental issues are also present. 84-89% of the total water supplied to the people is unsafe i.e. well below water quality standards. The quantity of the water being supplied has rapidly decreased since independence compelling 16 million people to collect water from unsafe sources.  Rural and urban areas compete with different sets of problems each day however, the biggest and foremost issues are faced by peri-urban areas where urban sprawl is engulfing the fertile rural areas. Congested and unsustainable living spaces in the urban areas are chief contributors of ailing health coupled with lack of sanitation. These issues are successors of loss of biodiversity, , global warming, climate change, air pollution, water scarcity, solid and liquid waste pollution, toxic waste pollution, sold waste management and noise pollution etc.
Building sustainable cities can help to address the issue of economy, environmental issues and socially peaceful environment for all.  Moreover, goals which address multiple issues must be promoted. For example, safe drinking water, reconstruction of paved roads and streets and related infrastructure can address all these issues. The New Urban agenda 2030 can help government of Pakistan to formulate uniform and legal framework for the country. The massive break through has been achieved by launch of active campaign “Plantation for Pakistan” however, there is need to revise curricula at primary and secondary education level so that better management practices can be promoted in the society. Such can help to initiate sustainable practices and resource efficiency in all the related sectors in compliance with the social, environmental and economic challenges.

References
Zaidi. S., H. (2015). Environmental impacts of Urbanization in Pakistan. Retrieved from http://puf2015.pakistanurbanforum.com/Session/27/Environmental%20Impact%20of%20Rapid%20Urbanization%20in%20Pakistan.pdf
Huma, Z. (2017). Urbanization in Pakistan. Daily Times. Retrieved from https://dailytimes.com.pk/114245/urban-planning-in-pakistan/
Jacobs, J. (1969) The Economy of Cities. New York: Vintage.
Haque, N., U. (2015). Flawed Urban Development Policies in Pakistan (No. id: 6907).
The Urban Unit. (2017). Retrieved from http://www.urbanunit.gov.pk/UU/KeySectors_Detail?Id
Jatoo, W. A. K., Fu, C. J., Saengkrod, W., & Mastoi, A. G. (2016). 243. Urbanization in Pakistan: Challenges and Way Forward (Options) For Sustainable Urban Development.
Haidar, M. (2015). Pakistan’s urban policy: Turning Cities into Slums. Retrieved from https://www.dawn.com/news/1174682


Note: The original article was published by "Pakistan Environmental Journalists" on September 7, 2018 which can be accessed on http://envjournalists.com/index.php/2018/09/07/urban-sanitation-constant-threat-to-the-citizens-of-rawalpindi/

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