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, in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, September 1, 2025. PHOTO: REUTERS
PESHAWAR:
The centuries-old Shahi Khatta, a historic royal sewer system that passes through Peshawar’s inner city, is rapidly deteriorating, its walls and roofs becoming dangerously weak.
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 cave in. The tractor driver sustained injuries in the accident.
According to local accounts, Shahi Khatta, which is believed to date back several centuries, has seen its condition deteriorate significantly in recent years. Originally built for rainwater and sewage drainage, the historic structure now suffers from extensive encroachment. Shops, shacks and illegal constructions have sprung up at several places along the sewer, especially in areas like Kohati, Qissa Khwani, Mohalla Khudadad, Peeple Mandi, Old Vegetable Market, Reti Bazaar and Ashraf Road, eventually emerging at Shahi Bagh.
Residents say that due to these encroachments and the 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 across the old city, turning streets into waterways.
Sardar Asad Ali Qazilbash, head of Imamia Islahi Committee Peshawar, expressed deep concern over the dilapidated condition of Shahi Khatta. He has demanded immediate intervention from the district administration and concerned departments to prevent further collapse and potential loss of life.
Local citizens have called on the authorities to immediately repair the weakened walls and roof of the historic sewer and to remove all illegal encroachments so that Shahi Khatta can once again function effectively and protect the old city from flooding.
