Environmental profile of Balochistan, Pakistan

Balochistan is the largest of the four provinces in Pakistan. It encompasses coastal to mountainous terrain, and a cool-temperate to tropical climate. The two main environmental problems faced today in Balochistan are desertification and urban pollution. The primary water source is precipitation, which is erratic. Groundwater resources are becoming limited. The groundwater in the upland areas is good quality, suitable for irrigation, but in many lowland areas, the groundwater is saline, even at shallow depths. Surface water is obtained by permission from the Indus River, as permanent rivers are rare and small. Pollution from mining activities and industry is increasing, and the increase in urbanization without expansion of the sanitary facilities results in discharges of human waste into streets and open drains. Vegetables are irrigated with water containing human waste. Most of the diseases are water-borne, water-related, livestock or pet-borne, and are considered controllable if the necessary changes in water management, proper sewerage, sanitary waste disposal and slaughtering techniques are made.