Balochistan: Industrial Waste Dumping Poses Grave Environmental and Health Risks
DOZZAAP, BALOCHISTAN: A major environmental crisis is unfolding in the Taftan region of Balochistan, where large amounts of industrial and mining waste from a gold mine have been dumped irresponsibly in the upper slopes of Madpatti Mountain. The toxic waste, which was released without adhering to any environmental standards, has already begun to have a devastating impact on the local ecosystem and the health of thousands of people.
According to reports from the Baloch Activists Campaign, the waste was discharged on Sunday, November 23, 2025, directly into nearby rivers and springs, contaminating water sources critical to local communities. The polluted water has spread to the surrounding soil, orchards and pastures in several downstream villages, including Kolahoreh, Bidastar, Naron Koteh, Telu, Tang Lakore, and Sarsiah Telu.
Local residents have expressed grave concern over the environmental fallout. They report that the contamination has led to the destruction of agricultural lands and the drying up of orchards, while livestock have been affected by the polluted environment. In addition, the toxic dust from the waste has begun to spread through the air, further jeopardising the health of thousands of people in the area.
In particular, the heavy metals contained in the waste are reportedly seeping into underground water supplies, raising fears of long-term contamination that could affect crops and drinking water. This could lead to a rise in serious health issues, including respiratory problems, waterborne diseases, and even cancer in the coming years.
Several citizens from affected villages have urgently called on local authorities, including the prosecutor of Khash, the governor of Taftan and officials responsible for environmental protection and natural resources, to take immediate action to stop the illegal dumping.
They have warned that if the situation is not addressed, the region’s pristine environment, which includes the Madpatti Mountain, a vital source of life and beauty, could be transformed into a “silent death zone.”
Environmental activists and local residents have urged the government to intervene and halt the irresponsible disposal of mining waste before it causes further irreparable damage to the environment and public health.
