‘It was a difficult decision, but as the eldest child in the family, I decided to leave my education and migrate from our village to the city. We hoped that this move would put an end to our struggles, but it turned out to be just the tip of the iceberg; many more challenges awaited us that we had to confront.’ 

“I Know you cannot smell it anymore. But, after living here for 17 years, it’s become normal for me,”
says Hansraj, who is working as a watchman (Chowkidar) who lives in the middle of the garbage dump in
Mehar Ali. As he has been living in the centre of the dumping station, Sindh Solid Waste Management
Board appointed him as a Watchman. As I spoke with him, I could barely stand the overwhelming stench
of rotting waste. Garbage was everywhere, mounds of it stretching across the area.

Gujranwala, which was once renowned for its industrial prowess, is currently confronted with an air pollution crisis that poses a threat to the health and future of its residents, particularly women and children.