KARACHI:
Karachi’s natural drainage network comprises the Lyari and Malir rivers and more than 60 nullahs, carrying rainwater towards the sea. Encroachments and waste dumping have obstructed these waterways, increasing flood risks.
The federal government of the past deserves appreciation for the 16.5-kilometre Lyari Expressway, constructed at a reported cost of Rs10 billion. The sitting Sindh government too should be praised for the 40-kilometre Shahrah-e-Bhutto constructed on the right bank of Malir River, at a cost of Rs60.7 billion. While these two projects enhance road connective and ease traffic congestion, they also serve to protect Karachi’s rivers from further encroachments.
Building on these achievements, both governments should examine extending the Lyari Expressway along both riverbanks over an estimated 17.5-kilometre stretch from Sohrab Goth to Karachi Northern Bypass and constructing an approximately 40-kilometre corridor along the Malir River’s left bank from Kathore towards Landhi and Korangi, proposed as Shahrah Benazir Bhutto.
These links could ease congestion, facilitate freight movement and help protect river corridors against encroachment. Detailed surveys and hydraulic studies must establish safe river boundaries before road alignments are finalised. Both schemes should preserve flood-carrying capacity and unobstructed nullah outfalls, alongside sewage treatment, waste removal and fair rehabilitation of affected residents.
Ramesh Raja
Karachi
