Environmental degradation

Global warming have dangerously upset the ecological system resulting in unusual natural phenomena

In these times of distress, discouragement and confusion caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the consequent limited economic activities, the recent dust storm in Karachi has caused further harm to life and property in the most populous city of the country. The dust storm, or tornado, killed at least five people, left dozens injured and brought about significant destruction of property. Strong gales and rain battered many areas causing roof and wall collapse leaving behind death and destruction. The wind was so strong that they blew away thatched and corrugated iron roofs far in the air injuring a few people on the way before they landed on the ground. The storm, packed with winds of 95 nautical miles, also set off fires in cattle pens. Many buffaloes died and were injured in the blaze resulting in substantial losses to dairy farmers.

Dust storm usually strikes many areas in Pakistan, especially Sindh, during June and July. So people and the authorities anticipate dust storm and other such events and are prepared to face them. Experience, however, exposes claims of preparedness on the part of the authorities during heavy rains. During the rainy season cities and towns in Sindh and other parts of Pakistan present the scene of urban flooding. This is being witnessed more often in recent years than before. Long years of official neglect and corruption have left the drainage system unserviceable.

The recent tornado in Karachi and cyclones in Bangladesh and India once again call for governments to pay adequate attention to arrest the environmental pollution and degradation. Global warming caused by large-scale deforestation and burning of fossil fuels that emit toxic gases have dangerously upset the ecological system resulting in unusual natural phenomena such a no rain or excessive rains. The situation has gone on deteriorating in spite of several international agreements to cut gas emissions. This shows we are neither a good housekeeper nor a good cook.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 6^th, 2020.

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