Flooded by neglect

For an agricultural country, rain has always held the power to heal communities, rejuvenate crops and strengthen the livelihood of many. But since more than a decade ago, this divine gift has turned into a death sentence for Pakistanis residing in Karachi. Yet again, despite repeated opportunities to prepare for the upcoming monsoonal season, the city is headed towards destruction as delayed funding obstruct full-scale drain clean-ups. With 20 to 30 per cent more rainfall expected this year, Karachi is instead preparing for flooded roads, collapsing infrastructure, waterborne diseases and severe economic disruption.

While KMC awaits funding and support for its large-scale cleaning operations, urban academics highlight the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board's failure to prevent the dumping of garbage into storm drains which reduces their operational capacity. In turn, the Board has touted its own lack of funding. At the centre of the tango that these corporations and government bodies are enmeshed in, stands a man in knee-deep water trying to get to work at the risk of electrocution from exposed electrical wiring. The horrors of urban flooding caused by rainfall are endless. Not only the derelict neighbouhoods but many posh areas also turn into cesspools. Major thoroughfares remain impassable for days due to standing water standing.

In 2020, Karachi saw its worst flooding in almost a century - which killed at least 41 people - and that was majorly caused by the city's poorly maintained drainage systems. There is no shortage of evidence proving that drain clean-ups demand immediate action. According to experts, the upcoming cleaning efforts have already been rendered less effective due to current delays. And since they are time-intensive, their efficacy will only continue to decline with every passing day - unless urgent action is taken.