Balochistan Food Authority Destroys Vegetables Grown with Sewage Water on 22 Acres in Quetta Crackdown
Quetta: The Balochistan Food Authority has launched a large-scale crackdown against vegetables cultivated with sewage water, destroying crops spread across 22 acres in Quetta as part of efforts to ensure food safety and protect public health.
The operation was carried out on the special directives of Provincial Minister and Chairman of the Balochistan Food Authority, Haji Noor Muhammad Dummar. Enforcement teams, led by Director Operations Fakhruddin Marri, destroyed crops in the Sabzal Road area, including cabbage, mint, coriander, purslane, onions, and beetroot grown using contaminated sewage water.
According to the authority, the crops were destroyed before they could reach local markets, reducing potential health risks to consumers.
Director General of the Balochistan Food Authority, Habibullah Khan, said that the cultivation of edible crops using sewage water would not be tolerated despite clear directives from the High Court and the government. He warned that vegetables grown with untreated wastewater may contain harmful bacteria, heavy metals, and other toxic contaminants that can cause serious health problems.
He added that similar operations will continue in phases across other areas of the province. Any edible crops found to be irrigated with sewage water will be destroyed without discrimination.
The Director General further clarified that, under the law, sewage water may only be used for non-edible crops, while its use for cultivating vegetables or other food products is strictly prohibited. Farmers found violating the regulations will not only have their crops destroyed but will also face legal action under the relevant laws.
The authority also appealed to the public and media to report unsafe, adulterated, or sewage-grown food products, assuring that complaints would be addressed promptly as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public health.
