Industrial effluent is polluting groundwater reserves badly, resulting in the outbreak of diseases and environmental pollution whereas the crops and vegetables, which are being cultivated by this water, can cause serious health hazards.

Industrial effluent is polluting groundwater reserves badly, resulting in the outbreak of diseases and environmental pollution whereas the crops and vegetables, which are being cultivated by this water, can cause serious health hazards. It was echoed by experts at international seminar titled “water footprint of cotton value chain” jointly arranged by U.S –Pak Center for Advanced Studies for Agriculture and Food Security and Faculty of Agri Engineering and Technology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad . UAF Vice Chancellor Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan stressed upon need to step up efforts to control effects producing with chemical waters released by industry. He said that industry is polluting ground water which is harmful for agriculture and drinking usage and urged the experts, scientist and policy makers to play their effective role to cope with the challenge of pollution He viewed that one of the major socioeconomic challenges was the mismanagement of water resources. He said that there is no life without water as the water is key for irrigation, food insecurity, economic growth, energy production, industries and human health. He said time is ripe for promoting the rational use of water across the country to save coming generation. He added we are not treating industrial waste that was causing the deteriorating situation. He said that heavy water was being pumped out from tube-wells that is the responsible for lowing down the groundwater level and worsen water health. Talking about water efficient crops, he added that we need to promote less water intensive crops in view of water shortage in country. Water reserves has been shrank from 5000 Cusic meter to 850 cusic meter . Dr Franck Andreas Weber from Aachen University Germany, Nitrate pollution for the ground water was a largest challenge in Germany. He said that the step up efforts are needed to address the issue of the increasing pollution. He said that Pakistan-Germany enhanced ties in academic and research would help address the issue. He said that water shortage has been facing allover world and it can pose a threat to food security. Dr Bernhard Tischbein from Bonn University Germany said that rivers are also being polluted due to the effluent of industries. He said that the collaborated efforts and interdisciplinary approaches are vital to fight the issue and to provide a healthy environment for the people. Dean Faculty of Agri Engineering Dr Allah Buksh said that industrial effluent treatment was essential to provide the healthy environment to the citizen. He stressed the need to expedite the joint efforts for the cause. He said that it is the need of the hour to treat the industrial and waste water. He said that the climate changes are posing the serious threat to the people and Pakistan was its worst victim. Dr Christopher Conrad said natural ecology system was suffering. He said that the industrial; effluent was posing a serious threat if tangible steps are not taken. Dr Christian Grim and Dr Usman also spoke.