A prevailing problem in Karachi is that being an industrial city, it produces thousands of tons of solid waste
KARACHI: There is no doubt that Pakistan would have to meet environmental standards if it wants to be a healthy nation. It would have to look more vigorously into all environment-related issues ranging from a fast increasing level of air pollution to water pollution and noise pollution.
Today, the world has become a global village. Environmental issues could easily demolish the economy of any country because all major countries, including the European Union, have set very strict environmental standards and are reluctant to import goods from countries that do not adhere to environmental standards. Pakistan is already facing many issues, including energy, law and order and political instability etc., therefore it can’t afford another one. The government and masses have to pay attention to the issue of pollution; otherwise, it would not only derail Pakistan’s economy but would adversely affect our future generations. We should be both good descendants and good ancestors. One of the prevailing problems in Karachi is that being an industrial city it produces thousands of tons of solid waste. Even some of Karachi’s fertile land is being used to dump waste. Waste is burnt. This is affecting negatively the health of the people. Gutter overflows and water pipeline leakage is there in many areas. This is resulting in the mixing of clean water with dirty water. Water-borne diseases are spreading at a rapid rate. After the recent rains, water has accumulated on streets and roads because of poor a sewerage system. Heaps of garbage has been taken out by the government but that was of no use as they have been left on streets. These heaps are also being burnt. As a result, they emit harmful gases that rise up into the atmosphere and further damage the ecological systems. I urge the government of Sindh to take necessary steps to improve the environment in Karachi.
Sara Akhtar
Published in The Express Tribune, September 28th, 2019.
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