Karachi, the city of lights and the economic and industrial hub of the country, that makes a major contribution to the national kitty, is sinking. The recent heavy rains had turned into deadly floods that wreaking havoc across the city. Keeping in mind the current crisis, no concrete measures have yet been taken to tackle the situation, nor have any long-turn solutions come to the fore.
Reports reveal that at least 41 people were killed in Karachi in various incidents during the recent rains. While many people were displaced due to the floods, many were left stranded in their homes. To add to that, frequent and long power breakdowns had made the lives of the citizens miserable. Hundreds of feeders were tripped, and power cables in many areas severed causing electrocution. According to a K-Electric notification, rainwater also entered the electrical installations in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Jauhar and Bin Qasim, causing disruption in supply of power to several parts of the city. Furthermore, all major highways and roads were inundated, cutting off one part of the city from another. The gushing rainwater also made way into houses and shops, destroying everything inside while vehicles parked on roadsides floated like toys.
It is about time that a sustainable waste management system is put in place to keep the city clean and stormwater drains must be desilted regularly. Public representatives must be equipped to serve the citizens. Establishment of an efficient disaster management facility remains indispensable that is capable of coping with such natural hazards. The authorities concerned need to realise that Karachi is an important city of Pakistan which must be taken care of properly if we want it to keep contributing to the national exchequer.
Waseem Shabbir
Gujranwala
Published in The Express Tribune, September 5th, 2020.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
