KARACHI, Jan 24: Although the city government is paying full attention to various big infrastructure projects, much is needed to be done on the most vital among civic functions -- solid waste management and growth of greenery through massive plantation.This was stated by Shahida Farooq, an environmental activist working for the upgradation of environmental conditions in Karachi, in a statement on Tuesday.
She referred to a statement of Provincial Minister for Environment Dr Sagheer Ahmed, who said some 9,000 tons of domestic and industrial waste is generated here daily and not more than 50pc of it was being disposed of.
She said City Nazim Mustafa Kamal was working hard to bring Karachi at par with other modern and developed cities of the world. However, this objective would not be achieved unless the city's entire solid waste was properly disposed of.
She pointed out that with non-lifted garbage littered all over the city, particularly in low- income areas, the city could not claim to match the conditions of the world's modern cities. She added that not only in poor localities, but even in the so-called developed localities, the conditions were not appreciable.
“We can show foreigners some of the upgraded areas which may impress the visitors from outside, but what about poor and low-income people who are living in unhygienic conditions and fracing various diseases -- most recent being the dengue virus. This fact is reflected from patients brought to hospitals, mostly from poor localities,” said Ms Farooq.
She recalled the passing of “Municipal Emergency” and “Trees and Parks” Acts passed by the Sindh Assembly a few years back and lamented that these remained unimplemented with the result that not much was being done for disposal of solid waste as well as protection of trees.
Shahida said while world experts were extending warnings about an increase in global warming this year, the city pundits must start paying attention to it and take up massive plantation in the city and its surroundings to offset the affects of increasing heat. — APP
KARACHI, Jan 24: Although the city government is paying full attention to various big infrastructure projects, much is needed to be done on the most vital among civic functions -- solid waste management and growth of greenery through massive plantation.This was stated by Shahida Farooq, an environmental activist working for the upgradation of environmental conditions in Karachi, in a statement on Tuesday.
