Keep Water Clean Poem by M.Imtiaz Arif Translated in English By Hassaan Ahmad Awan
Where water flows, there life will be,
Its touch brings light, its breath sets free.
A blessing divine the Creator gave,
Without its gift, no soul could brave.
Whatever vessel receives its grace,
It takes that form with tender face.
So humble, gentle, pure, and kind,
A lesson for both heart and mind.
Its worth is greater than words can say,
For every living needs it each day.
Upon this earth, in endless streams,
Three parts are water, one part dreams.
Yet still we thirst, though seas are wide,
Why is clean water so denied?
Because pollution stains its way,
Darkening night, corrupting day.
From tainted streams disease will grow—
Polio, jaundice, fevers low.
Cholera spreads, and sickness reigns,
When water bears its poisoned chains.
So guard the rivers, lakes, and seas,
Protect the springs, the brooks, the breeze.
Keep waste and filth from waters clear,
Preserve the streams we hold so dear.
For keeping water pure and bright
Is part of worship, truth, and right.
The one who never fails this plea
Is truly blessed in servanthood’s key
Poet : M.Imtiaz Arif
(Kids’ Poem Version)
Water gives us life each day,
It makes us fresh in every way.
A gift from God, so pure, so sweet,
Without this gift, life’s not complete.
Water is humble, soft, and kind,
It changes shape, in glass you’ll find.
It teaches us to live with care,
To share with all, to be fair.
Most of the earth is water blue,
Yet drinking water is so few.
Pollution makes the rivers ill,
It spreads diseases, makes us still.
So keep the rivers fresh and bright,
Protect the lakes with all your might.
Don’t throw your trash in stream or sea,
Keep water clean for you and me.
To save the water is our duty,
It’s part of faith, it’s part of beauty.
A good child never will forget,
To keep water clean is the best habit yet.
Description :
The poem “Paani Ko Saaf Rakhna” (Keep Water Clean) by Muhammad Imtiaz Arif is a beautifully written piece of Urdu poetry that highlights the importance of water in human life and the responsibility of every individual to preserve its purity. From the very first lines, the poet reminds us that water is the essence of life. It is because of water that the earth is alive, fresh, and full of light. The verses establish a strong connection between water and existence, emphasizing that without this divine blessing, life would not be possible.
The poet acknowledges water as a special gift of the Creator, bestowed upon His creation for survival. With deep admiration, he explains how water adapts itself to whatever it is poured into, symbolizing its flexibility, humility, and beauty. This quality of water reflects not just physical purity but also a moral lesson in modesty and selflessness.
Through the stanzas, Muhammad Imtiaz Arif also highlights the vastness of water on earth. He reminds us that three-fourths of the planet is covered with water, which is a blessing far greater than land. Yet despite this abundance, humanity suffers from scarcity of clean drinking water. This paradox serves as the central concern of the poem—if so much water exists, why do people still struggle for pure water to drink? The poet answers this question with a critical reflection: pollution.
The poem draws attention to the fact that polluted water has become a global problem. The poet mentions the dangers it brings, including fatal diseases such as jaundice, polio, diarrhea, and cholera. By doing so, he transforms his poem from a simple reflection on nature into a social awareness message. It is not just a poetic expression but also an appeal to collective responsibility.
The poet then shifts towards practical advice. He urges everyone to ensure that water sources—whether rivers, seas, streams, or springs—remain clean. Cities and towns must protect water from garbage, sewage, and industrial waste. Dumping waste into rivers and canals, he warns, is one of the primary causes of water pollution. Therefore, cleanliness is not only a civic duty but also a religious and moral obligation.
In the final verses, the poet gives a spiritual dimension to his message. He declares that keeping water clean is part of worship, a form of servitude to God. A good human being, in his view, is one who never forgets this responsibility. Thus, the act of preserving water becomes a moral and spiritual duty, not just an environmental necessity.
Overall, this poem is a blend of natural beauty, environmental awareness, and ethical teaching. It speaks not only to children but also to adults, encouraging them to value water as the foundation of life. By presenting water as both a divine blessing and a human responsibility, the poet succeeds in conveying a universal truth: protecting water is protecting life itself.
This timeless poem is an excellent resource for students, teachers, and anyone interested in Urdu literature, environmental studies, or social awareness campaigns. It can be used in classrooms, environmental awareness events, or as a motivational reading piece to inspire care for nature.
