Quetta

Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, is the only sizable urban settlement in the province. The name ‘Quetta’ is derived from the Pashto word ‘Kwatta’, meaning ‘fort’. Quetta came into being after treaty of Gandamak (1879) at the end of Second Afghan War, and the permanent lease of Bolan Pass area to British India by the state of Kalat (1883). It is surrounded by Taktu, Chiltan and Murdar Mountains.

Ancient Quetta was built in a planned way. Springs, karezats (artificial underground water tunnels for perennial flow of water), trees, and green scenery were simply picturesque. Staff College, treasury office, town hall, railway station and other innumerable buildings were architectural feats. The scenic beauty of ancient Quetta was buried by a massive earthquake, in May 1935, of 30 seconds’ duration that killed 30, 000 people. New town was built after survey in 1936. In a period of seven years, from 1937 to 1942, a number of important administrative, educational, health, residential and commercial buildings were constructed. For four decades, population concentrated in the heart of the town. In the last two decades, population has increased enormously.  

Present day Quetta, a city of great commercial activities, has become a densely populated area. Population is reaching the valley’s bound. Central city’s roads and streets have become overcrowded with traffic. Climatic changes have taken place.  Hanna Lake, once a beautiful picnic resort, has dried up completely. Ground water resources have dwindled to alarming levels.

In current development budget, special attention has been given to Quetta city, the provincial capital. Rs. 50 million will be spent to make the city clean and a better place to live. 

Quetta’s Environmental Pollution; A Challenge for Environment Lovers

Once, a two days’ strike was observed by auto-rickshaw drivers. Inhabitants of the smoky city witnessed a strange change in their surroundings. Their eyesight seemed to improve as everything around appeared clearer than before, but it proved an illusion when after two days auto rickshaws started rattling on the roads again. Atmosphere grew hazy and their vision blurred once more. Was that an eye defect? No, it wasn’t. Auto rickshaws ejected smoke into the atmosphere in such a huge quantity that a smoke screen is created between the sights and the eyesight.

The provincial government attempted to redress the problem by introducing compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel in the city. Experimentally, some auto rickshaws were converted to CNG fuel, but due to some technical reasons the experiment failed and the environment keeps getting more polluted each day. Environment lovers around the world are challenged to propose a practical solution to make auto rickshaw a smoke free transportation means.