An Afghan man reacts as he stands in the rubble of a collapsed house after a deadly magnitude 6 earthquake hit Afghanistan around midnight, in Dara Noor in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, September 1, 2025. PHOTO: REUTERS
PESHAWAR:
The century-old Shahi Khatta, a historic royal sewage system that runs through the city center of Peshawar, is rapidly deteriorating and its walls and roofs are dangerously weakening.
In a worrying incident on Monday, the fragile roof of Shahi Khatta in Kohati area collapsed under the weight of a passing tractor, causing the road to collapse. The driver of the tractor was injured in the accident.
According to local accounts, the Shahi Khatta, believed to date back several centuries, has seen his condition worsen significantly in recent years. Originally built for stormwater and wastewater drainage, the historic structure now suffers from widespread encroachments. Illegal shops, huts and constructions have come up at multiple points along the sewer, particularly in areas like Kohati, Qissa Khwani, Mohalla Khudadad, Peeple Mandi, old vegetable market, Reti Bazaar and Ashraf Road, which finally emerged at Shahi Bagh.
Residents say that due to these encroachments and the deterioration of the centuries-old walls and ceilings, proper cleaning and maintenance of the Shahi Khatta has become almost impossible. During monsoon rains, the blocked drainage system causes severe flooding throughout the old city, turning streets into waterways.
Sardar Asad Ali Qazilbash, leader of Peshawar Imamia Islahi Committee, expressed deep concern over the dilapidated state of Shahi Khatta. He demanded immediate intervention from the district administration and concerned departments to prevent further landslides and possible loss of lives.
Local citizens have urged the authorities to urgently repair the weakened walls and roofs of the historic sewer and remove all illegal encroachments so that Shahi Khatta can function effectively again and protect the ancient city from floods.
