Those who illegally sell garbage should be treated harshly by the government
KOHAT: A rapidly increasing problem in Karachi is the growing pollution. Being an industrial and populated city, it produces thousands of tonnes of solid waste and garbage. Some of Karachi’s fertile land is used to recycle the waste products. Due to accumulation of waste products and chemicals, many diseases are spreading among the people of Karachi. People from lower socio-economic classes search these heaps of garbage for material that can be recycled. This practice has adverse effects on their health and life. In streets, sewerage pipelines are poorly maintained. Water pipelines and gutters leak in many areas, mixing clean water with polluted water. Waterborne diseases are spreading at a rapid pace.
The hygiene conditions of the city’s streets are poor. Garbage is sold and burnt as a fuel. This produces air pollution. Moreover, it also increases many diseases such as cancer and lung disease. The environment is put under harm and thus, nature suffers. According to some research, 80 per cent of garbage can be recycled if the collectors collect it separately; that is, put similar materials into the same place.
I urge the Government of Sindh to take necessary reforms to improve the state of environmental affairs in Karachi. If prevailing practices continue, Karachi cannot be neat and clean. The burning of garbage should be banned. Those who illegally sell garbage should be treated harshly by the government and face punishment.
Yasir Abbas
Published in The Express Tribune, December 22nd, 2016.
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