THE SOCIO-POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS OF WASTEWATER IRRIGATION IN FAISALABAD, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Wastewater irrigation is becoming a common practice in water scarce regions to fulfill the need of water through easy and cheap source of irrigation water for agricultural in peripheries of the most populous cities of Pakistan. This study investigates the socio-political impact of wastewater irrigation. It highlights the complex relationship that exists between social justice, governance, and water management. The study uses qualitative research methods like focus group discussions to show how wastewater irrigation can both alleviate and worsen contemporary sociopolitical issues, such as environmental sustainability like soil or land, public health issues, and water resource availability. The study investigates stakeholders’ opinions, policy bases, and community responses to start wastewater irrigation, shedding light on challenges faced by government that arise in handling this multifaceted problem. Finally, the paper discusses that effective and reasonable wastewater irrigation requires not only technical advancement but also comprehensive political discourse and community participation to address the safe use of wastewater and its adverse health impacts. The findings claim the need for multidisciplinary methods to achieve the safe use of wastewater in such areas to fulfill the desire of water for irrigation.