Monsoon preparedness

Measures cleaning up 586 drains, clearing 310 choke points, engaging KE to ensure electricity for water drainage

‘Above normal rainfall’ — three words enough to make every single one of Karachi’s 20 million residents cower in fear. This is a metropolis where all urban planning comes to die. From the neighbourhoods of the affluent to those inhabited by the poor, no area is safe from the deluge that ensues even regular, minimal rainfall. Streets transform into rivers, and homes in most areas are inundated, bringing daily life to a grinding halt. Unplanned residential and commercial projects coupled with the city’s dilapidated infrastructure and inadequate drainage systems are quickly overwhelmed, leading to widespread flooding and chaos. Vulnerable populations, particularly those in informal settlements, face the brunt of the devastation, often losing their homes and belongings. Despite repeated warnings and past experiences, the lack of proactive measures and effective urban planning exacerbates the crisis each year.

However, this time around it has been pleasantly surprising to know that the city administration has already united and decided to preempt a catastrophic situation. A comprehensive meeting comprising the Sindh chief secretary, mayor and commissioner Karachi as well as officials from all key authorities, including cantonment boards and rescue authorities was held on Thursday. This demonstrates that the concerned authorities have finally recognised the critical importance of coordinated efforts. As per a statement released after the meeting, some of the measures decided include cleaning up 586 drains and clearing 310 choke points, establishing control rooms, engaging KE to ensure electricity supply for water drainage operations.

The city administration has unveiled a fantastic blueprint for addressing the monsoon challenges, but the critical question is: will these initiatives move beyond paper and be effectively implemented? The citizens of Karachi can only hope that this time, their city is better prepared to withstand the inevitable downpour.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8^th, 2024.

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