Residents raise alarm over 'narrowing of Nehr-e-Khayyam'

KARACHI:

Residents of Clifton Block 5, joined by environmentalists, architects, engineers and public representatives, inspected Nehr-e-Khayyam for the third consecutive Sunday, expressing concerns over ongoing construction, newly erected barricades and the waterway's drainage capacity.

During the resident-led site inspection, participants observed and documented the installation of three to four rows of concrete box drains, each measuring three metres, which residents said had narrowed the waterway from its original 120-foot width to approximately 50-60 feet.

Residents demanded the disclosure of project documents, engineering designs, environmental assessments and details of the approved scope of work. They also objected to proposed commercial activities, including shops and a food street, on Nehr-e-Khayyam land.

Climate Action Centre Yasir Hussain said the project raised questions about compliance with legal requirements, including prior information to residents, environmental assessment and disclosure of the project proponent and public-private partnership arrangements. He also questioned the absence of sewage treatment provisions and sought clarification on the engineering design.

Leader of the Opposition in the KMC City Council Advocate Saifuddin warned that sewage mixed with garbage could clog the concrete drainage system, creating serious maintenance and sanitation problems.

Pakistan Maholiyati Tahaffuz Movement representative Ahmad Shabbar questioned the arrangements for sewage disposal beyond the Nehr, warning that without a clear plan, contaminated water could return to the channel during high tide. He also sought details about sludge removal, waste management, potential methane accumulation and the possible heat-island effect associated with concrete covering.

Boat Basin Food Street President Naeem Sajjad raised concerns about potential hazards from enclosing sewage in concrete drains.

A retired civil engineer associated with the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board stressed that the design must account for high tides, downstream water levels and their effects on gravity-driven discharge.

With construction continuing, residents urged the relevant authorities to disclose outstanding information, address engineering and environmental concerns, and ensure meaningful public consultation.