KARACHI:
As a concerned citizen of Karachi, I want to highlight the struggle and challenge people faced due to the mismanaged waste system. Karachi, the economic hub of Pakistan and a city with high population density, has always been facing a serious waste management crisis. As the population grows so does the amount of waste people produce. On a daily basis, approximately 12,000 tons of solid waste are produced but only 40 to 50% of it is managed properly. Most of the waste includes plastics, as plastic products are used everywhere and have become an important part of our daily lives.
In many areas the streets are filled with trash, mostly plastic bags, wrappers and bottles. They clog the drains and waterways, leading to sewage problems. When authorities don’t act properly, people burn the trash on their own, and the plastic present in it releases toxic gases, which harms the environment and causes health issues. The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) is often found to be underfunded and ineffective. Moreover, the rapid growth of the city has resulted in shortage of spaces for proper storage of solid waste.
The government needs to establish a proper solid waste management system to address this issue. Sadly, not much effort has been made to address the issue of managing plastic and solid waste effectively. Authorities need to take immediate action on illegal dumping and initiate public awareness campaigns to educate them about simple recycling methods, planting trees and protecting mangrove forests.
Collective efforts from citizens can also make a positive impact to make the future more sustainable. Together, we can create a cleaner, healthier Karachi.
Saleet Fatima
Karachi
