Submerged and forgotten: Scheme 33 drowns in neglect

The recent spell of monsoon rain and flash floods has left behind a trail of destruction in Karachi, with Scheme 33 and its adjoining residential societies submerged under floodwater. Despite the passing of several days, no drainage or relief operations have been initiated, leaving residents in a state of helplessness.

According to locals, G-3 Bus Stop and surrounding roads remain underwater, with flood levels reaching several feet in various societies, severely disrupting life. Streets, alleys, and intersections are waterlogged, bringing traffic to a standstill and causing immense difficulties for those trying to reach schools, offices, or hospitals. Open manholes and road craters have also become hazards, especially for motorcyclists, many of whom have met with accidents.

Residents report that public buses have stalled, students remain stuck in traffic for hours, and entire families are confined to their homes. G-3 Bus Stop, in particular, has remained underwater for three consecutive days, resembling a lake. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Dr Nadeem Mehmood, a resident of Karachi University Employees Society, said that floodwater from Thado Dam and other nearby reservoirs had overflowed and entered residential areas via the Jamali Bridge and M-9 Motorway. By evening, the water had engulfed large parts of Scheme 33, and in many societies, it has now reached doorstep levels.

He added that the main double road of the area is submerged under nearly three feet of water, completely halting vehicular movement. Despite attempts at night to redirect the water flow by removing barriers, lack of proper planning and resources meant these efforts failed.

Among the affected societies are Madras Society, Quetta Town, Karachi University Employees, Pak Scientist, and State Bank Society, where residents remain trapped indoors. Over the years, the area saw rapid development, but no proper drainage infrastructure was established, making the current situation inevitable.

"This is not just rainwater," Dr Mehmood emphasised, "but continuous water flow from overflowing dams." He also noted that areas like Madras Chowk and beyond are still experiencing an active water current.

Locals say no relief camps have been set up, and no machinery or emergency personnel have been deployed for water drainage. In fact, main gates of several societies have been closed to prevent further water ingress or for safety reasons.

At G-3 Bus Stop, frustrated citizens pointed out that despite the presence of schools, government offices, and institutions, the area has been completely ignored by authorities.

Residents have demanded immediate action from the Sindh government and municipal bodies, including swift water drainage closure of open manholes, road repairs, cleaning of storm water drains.

They stressed that without urgent and sustainable infrastructure development, similar or worse crises could unfold in upcoming rain spells.

The situation in Scheme 33 starkly highlights Karachi's inadequate urban planning and disastrous drainage management, turning a seasonal monsoon into a full-blown humanitarian and civic crisis.