HYDERABAD: Water supplied to residents of Jamshoro, Hyderabad and Kotri has raised serious health concerns after a sharp increase in total dissolved solids (TDS) was reported in the Indus River, prompting authorities to urge people not to use the water for drinking.
the engineer at Kotri Barrage has written to the Superintending Engineer of the Baghiaar Circle in Hyderabad, highlighting the deterioration in water quality and the potential risks to public health.
The letter stated that TDS levels in the Indus River rose from 660 milligrams per litre in September to 940 milligrams per litre on October 1, indicating a significant increase in dissolved substances in the water.
Authorities have warned that the water supplied to the three cities could be harmful to human health and have urged residents to avoid drinking it until the situation is addressed.
Health Risks From Contaminated Water
According to the report, consuming contaminated water may increase the risk of kidney problems, hepatitis, skin conditions and gastrointestinal illnesses. Officials warned that failure to take timely corrective measures could lead to a wider public health crisis.
The concerns have renewed attention on water quality and pollution affecting the Indus River, a critical source of water for communities across Sindh.
Authorities Seek Action Against Pollution
The letter reportedly called for a ban on the discharge of polluted water from Manchar Lake and the Matiari sugar mill into the river.
It also urged authorities to release additional freshwater from Sukkur Barrage towards Kotri to improve water quality and address the rising concentration of dissolved substances.
The situation highlights the importance of effective pollution control, regular water-quality monitoring and reliable access to safe drinking water for communities dependent on the Indus River.
Authorities and relevant departments will need to take timely action to address the reported contamination and protect public health.
