Jam Chakro landfill: Khi turns a new leaf in waste management

KARACHI:

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday inaugurated the first phase of Karachi's first sanitary engineered landfill at Jam Chakro, launching a scientific waste disposal system aimed at reducing pollution, improving public health and potentially generating $20 million in carbon credits.

The World Bank-backed project carries a total cost of $105 million, including $100 million in World Bank assistance and a $5 million contribution from the Sindh government. The facility spans around 150 acres and incorporates engineered lining, leachate collection and environmental monitoring systems to minimise contamination of the surrounding land.

Speaking at the inauguration, the chief minister said the project marked a significant step towards modernising Karachi's solid waste management system. Three engineered landfill cells have been completed, while overall construction progress has reached 61.67%. The remaining work is scheduled for completion by November 30, 2026.

The project also offers the potential to capture methane generated by decomposing waste and use it for energy production. Murad Ali Shah said the World Bank's technical team had estimated that the facility could generate around $20 million in carbon credits.

The wider waste management initiative includes four garbage transfer stations at Sharafi Goth, Dinga Mor, Imtiaz and Gutter Baghicha, with a combined handling capacity of 6,500 tonnes daily. Waste collected at these stations will be transported to the landfill in larger vehicles.