KARACHI:
The recent episodes of torrential rains and urban flooding in Pakistan yet again remind us of climate change and poor planning. Our cities are becoming prone to recurrent flooding causing disruption to life and business and loss of precious human life, despite warnings from many that this was only a matter of time before it happened.
Recent international reports have revealed that Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change effects, despite its minuscule contribution to global carbon emissions. Urbanisation, blocked drains, illegal construction and loss of green spaces have played a role in making our cities vulnerable to flooding. We cannot continue to think of these as isolated issues without long term repercussions on urban centres.
Pakistan’s government and policymakers must prioritise climate-informed planning, including investing in infrastructure, improving drainage systems and enforcing regulations to promote sustainable development. Authorities must also educate the public about the importance of avoiding practices that exacerbate the flooding problem, such as indiscriminate waste dumping that causes blockages in drains during intense rainfall. It is crucial to involve federal and provincial government agencies in developing climate adaptation and resilient infrastructure plans.
M Muzammil Hassan Khan
Islamabad
