The streets of Karachi are littered with trash, and the once-beautiful beaches are now strewn with garbage. This poses serious health and environmental risks, besides affecting its aesthetic value. The lack of a proper waste management system, inadequate infrastructure and insufficient manpower have all contributed to this crisis. The Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) has been trying to address the issue, but more needs to be done.
The informal recycling industry, which involves over 40,000 scavengers, plays a crucial role in Karachi’s waste disposal. However, this ‘industry’ lacks proper regulation and support from the government. Providing concessions and facilities to this sector could help create thousands of jobs and improve the recycling procedures.
To address the garbage disposal crisis in Karachi, the government should: 1) set up waste management infrastructure by establishing more landfill sites and recycling facilities to handle the massive amount of waste generated in the city; 2) increase manpower and resources i.e. provide more sanitation workers, vehicles and equipment to ensure efficient waste collection and disposal; 3) regulate the informal recycling industry by providing support and concessions to this informal recycling sector which will also help create jobs and improve recycling procedures; 4) promote community engagement and education by raising awareness among citizens about the importance of proper waste disposal and involving them in the process of keeping the city clean; and 5) enforce laws and regulations related to waste disposal, and ensure that those responsible for littering and polluting the environment are held accountable.
The relevant authorities should take these suggestions seriously and work towards making Karachi a cleaner and healthier city.
Dua Younus
Karachi
