Safeguarding Karachi’s Natural Waterways: An Urgent Call to Action
Karachi is a bustling metropolis, but it’s facing significant challenges as it grapples with rapid urbanization and environmental neglect. Recently, a group of environmental experts, urban planners, and community representatives gathered at the Karachi Press Club to discuss an essential topic: the preservation of the city’s natural drainage channels, particularly the Malir and Lyari rivers. This meeting, centered on the theme “Obstructions and Risks to Karachi’s Natural Waterways”, highlighted the pressing need to address the ecological balance crucial for the city’s health and safety.
The Malir and Lyari rivers, along with their tributaries, play foundational roles in managing floodwaters and supporting biodiversity. Experts at the session called for these rivers to be recognized officially as "living waterways," emphasizing the need to remove encroachments and illegal constructions that threaten their integrity. For the future, they proposed a complete ban on any new construction along these waterways.
A resolution was unanimously passed, advocating for the designation of Karachi’s peri-urban zones, especially Malir, Gadap, Moedan, and Kathore, as permanent green zones. This move would help protect agricultural land and historical villages from the relentless advance of urban housing projects. By preserving these areas, we can ensure that local agriculture retains its significance and keeps the city nourished.
Participants were also vocal about the pressing issue of sand and gravel extraction from the Malir river, which compromises waterway structures and disturbs natural flows. The resolution called for strict enforcement of existing bans on these activities, along with a recommitment to restoring agricultural lands taken over by illegal entities. Subsidies for local farmers were suggested as a means to bolster food production while maintaining ecological balance.
Coastal ecological assets, such as mangrove forests, were also a focal point of concern. The gathering demanded an immediate halt to deforestation and threats to coastal resources and called for effective restoration and expansion programs for mangrove coverage. In the face of climate change and increasing population density, adopting modern and sustainable urban planning practices has become crucial.
Speakers emphasized the need for reliable disaster management plans and the enforcement of housing regulations to prioritize safety and sustainability. They firmly insisted on banning toxic waste dumping into natural waterways, urging industries to employ modern waste management techniques.
Finally, the session wrapped up with a strong consensus: Karachi’s future hinges on sustainable, environmentally safe urban planning practices. Engaging the community and fostering connection through shared goals can pave the way for a brighter future.
If you’re passionate about building a resilient Karachi, resources like Pro21st can help connect you with initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development. Together, let’s champion the cause for a greener, safer city.
