MINGORA: The excessive loadshedding has forced the people of Swat district to use mountain ice for domestic purpose.

According to the people, vendors bring mountain ice from glaciers in Kalam and other parts of Swat and sell at local shops.

They said the mountain ice was the only alternative to refrigerator ice as electric appliances didn’t work due to the prolonged power outages.

“Electric supply remains suspended 12 to 16 hours daily and even when it is restored, voltage is too low to be of any use. Under these circumstances, refrigerators don’t make ice, so we’ve to buy mountain ice brought by locals from Kalam or other areas of the district,” said Habib Khan of Madyan. The people said they couldn’t use normal water, especially during at the time of breaking fast.

Doctors warn such ice injurious to human health

“After keeping fast for long hours, we need to have cold water for Iftar. In absence of refrigerated ice, we buy mountain ice from vendors to have cold water in the evening,” said Babar Khan of Khawzakhela.

Some transporters have also stepped in to benefit from the opportunity to make money. They bring mountain ice from upper parts of the district and sell them in bazaars to make a good profit.

“We make a trip to mountains to bring ice and earn from Rs2,000 to Rs4,000 daily,” said Saleem, who drives a mini-truck. Dealers of mountain ice said their business got very profitable during the hot weather.

“When days get hotter, we make high profit otherwise it is not so money-making business,” said Haji Rahim, a dealer of mountain ice. He said his business heavily depended on electric supply in the area.

“We spend from Rs10,000 to Rs14,000 on one vehicle to fetch mountain ice and earn a profit from Rs17,000 to Rs18,000 on a hot day,” he said.

Health experts warned mountain ice was contaminated and therefore, its use could harm the people’s health.

“The mountain ice contains dirt and other impurities like animal waste, so it is unfit for human consumption and may cause complications like upset stomach or skin rashes if used without care,” said Dr Ehsanullah. The physician said people should use normal water without putting mountain ice in it for their good health.

ACCIDENTS CLAIM THREE LIVES: Three people lost life in different accidents in Swat valley on Friday.

Two motorcyclists died of critical injuries after their motorcycle collided with a van head-on in Baghdherai.

The van driver fled after the accident.

The bodies were later shifted to the Matta Tehsil Hospital for autopsy.

Also in the day, an eight-year-old child drowned in the Swat River.

The incident was reported in Ankar area of Kalam tehsil.

Local people said Naeemullah was on the way from his Kokonail village to Janshai Banda when he lost balance and fell into the river. They, however, said the body couldn’t be fished out from the river despite a massive search.

Meanwhile, two people suffered injuries after a motorcycle and motorcar collided head-on in Aligarma area of Kabal tehsil.

The injured were shifted to the Kabal Tehsil Hospital, where the condition of the injured was reported to be out of danger.

Published in Dawn, July 4th, 2015

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