Being the economic and industrial hub of Pakistan, it is evident why people move to Karachi in big numbers from all over the country to earn a living. The resulting growth in the city’s population has become a major cause for concern. While millions in the city constantly consume resources, the waste that is produced in its aftermath remains unregulated due to the lack of effective management by the authorities that remain as negligent as ever.
Solid waste management is, therefore, among the more perennial problems of Karachi. The recent monsoon rains have further highlighted the deplorable state that our drainage and sewage systems are in, with dirty water accumulating on the streets and inside houses. What is surprising, however, is the fact that even though maintaining and managing waste is not an ardent task, the authorities remain lax on the issue. Prevalent waste management systems in Scandinavian countries such as Sweden can prove to be a great example. They recycle almost all of their waste and dump only 1% into landfills. On the other hand, most of the aquatic animals in Pakistan are on the verge of extinction due to increased pollution caused by the dumping of toxic chemicals and waste in streams and oceans.
It is about time that common citizens understood the importance of recycling and managing waste. Simultaneously, the authorities concerned need to learn more about toxicity with regard to waste and the multiple methods of their disposal. Only then can we create collective awareness and work towards ameliorating the situation.
Muhammad Zeeshan
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, September 19th, 2020.
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