he historic cities of Taxila and Hassan Abdal, located near Islamabad, the federal capital, hold significant cultural and ecological importance. However, over time, they have been seriously affected by stone crushing and coal grading, which pose a serious challenge to the environment.

Taxila is renowned for its ancient Buddhist remains and Hassan Abdal is a key pilgrimage site for Sikhs. However, these towns now face severe environmental and health challenges due to coal grading and distribution activities. Stone blasting and crushing is a major factor in the environmental degradation.

The Margalla Hills, which form the foothills of the Himalayas, separate Islamabad from Taxila and Hassan Abdal. This mountain range has been extensively mined by blasting for extracting stone used in cement production and construction across Pakistan. Although stone crushing has been banned in parts of Margalla Hills, the destruction caused by previous activity continues to spread dust across the area. The thick dust clouds indicate ongoing blasting on the other side of the historic Grand Trunk Road.

Another hazardous activity in the region is the coal grading and cleaning, carried out in Hassan Abdal. This facility processes coal transported from Afghanistan and other parts of Pakistan, supplying it to cement factories and other industries that use low-grade coal as fuel. The coal grading operations contribute significantly to air and water pollution, posing serious risks to the environment and public health.

“There are more than two dozen coal grading and cleaning factories in Taxila,” says one of the managers of such a unit. “The coal comes mostly from Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan. It is supplied in bulk to cement factories. However, business is slow these days due to inflation.” He seemed reluctant to share operational details and environmental impact of the process.

“The air pollution resulting from coal grading and stone crushing is a major concern for the local communities,” says Muhammad Faisal, a resident of Taxila. “Particulate matter from these activities is always suspended in the air, causing respiratory and eye problems among the residents. The availability of cough syrups in almost every household attests to the widespread respiratory issues in the area. The constant inhalation of polluted air leads to chronic health problems, degrading the quality of life for the inhabitants.”

The environmental degradation extends beyond air pollution, affecting water resources crucial for both Islamabad and the local communities. The Khanpur Dam, which supplies drinking water to Islamabad, receives water through an open canal that passes through the dusty and polluted regions of Taxila and Hassan Abdal. The contamination of this water source poses a significant threat to the health of the capital’s residents.

Moreover, coal particles also land in a major waterway in Hassan Abdal, which flows through various poor neighbourhoods in Attock district before merging with the Haro River, a tributary of the Indus River. This contamination spreads coal pollutants throughout Pakistan, endangering marine life and affecting the broader ecosystem. The centuries-old aquifer, which supplies clean drinking water through natural springs in Hassan Abdal, is also at risk of contamination from coal grading, says Dr Hassan Abbas, an environmental expert.

“The environmental issues in Hassan Abdal and Taxila are particularly tragic given the historical and cultural significance of these areas,” he says. Taxila’s ancient Buddhist remains and Hassan Abdal’s Punja Sahib shrine, a key site for Sikh pilgrims, are both integral to the region’s heritage. The environmental degradation not only affect the health and livelihoods of the local population but also threatens the preservation of these invaluable cultural sites.

Furthermore, the environmental degradation has far-reaching socio-economic impacts on the local communities. The health issues caused by pollution lead to increased medical expenses and loss of productivity. The contamination of water resources affects agriculture and local industries, reducing economic opportunities and exacerbating poverty in the region. The presence of heavy industries and coal grading facilities near residential areas also diminishes the quality of life and property values, hindering socio-economic development in the area.

Many people believe that addressing these environmental and health challenges requires a multifaceted approach. Strict regulations and enforcement are necessary to control and eventually phase out the harmful coal grading and stone blasting. Use of advanced pollution control technologies can help reduce emissions from existing facilities. Additionally, promoting alternative, cleaner energy sources can lessen the reliance on coal, thereby reducing the environmental impacts associated with it.

Community engagement and awareness are crucial in driving sustainable practices. Local populations must be involved in decision-making processes and educated about the health risks and environmental impacts of coal and stone crushing activities. Investment in healthcare infrastructure and services is essential to address the immediate health concerns of the affected communities.

Efforts should also be made to rehabilitate degraded lands and water bodies. Reforestation, soil remediation and water treatment projects can help restore the natural environment and improve the quality of life for the residents, Dr Abbas says. Protecting the historical and cultural sites in Taxila and Hassan Abdal should be a priority, ensuring that these areas are preserved for future generations.

“The coal grading and distribution facility near Taxila and Hassan Abdal and the ongoing stone blasting pose significant environmental and health challenges. The air and water pollution resulting from these activities affects the well-being of local communities, degrades natural resources and threatens cultural heritage sites. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive regulatory measures, community engagement and investment in sustainable practices to ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for the region,” he says.

The writer is a staff member. He can be reached at vaqargillanigmail.com.

He tweets at @waqargillani