An Afghan man reacts as he stands amid the rubble of a collapsed house after a deadly magnitude 6 earthquake struck Afghanistan around midnight, in Dara Noor, Jalalabad, Afghanistan, September 1, 2025. PHOTO: REUTERS
PESHAWAR:
The centuries-old Shahi Khatta, a historic royal sewerage system running through downtown Peshawar, is rapidly deteriorating, with its walls and roofs weakening dangerously.
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 tractor driver was injured in the accident.
According to local accounts, the Shahi Khatta, estimated to be centuries old, has seen its condition deteriorate considerably in recent years. Originally built for stormwater and sewage drainage, the historic structure today suffers from widespread encroachment. Shops, shacks and illegal constructions have sprung up at several places along the drains, especially in areas such as Kohati, Qissa Khwani, Mohalla Khudadad, Peeple Mandi, Old Vegetable Market, Reti Bazaar and Ashraf Road, finally emerging at Shahi Bagh.
Residents say that due to these encroachments and age-related decay 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 in 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 by the district administration and concerned departments to prevent further collapses and possible loss of lives.
Local citizens have urged authorities to urgently repair the weakened walls and roofs of the historic sewers and remove all illegal encroachments so that the Shahi Khatta can function effectively again and protect the old city from flooding.
