KARACHI, Jan 28: Though the marine turtle conservation project of the Sindh Wildlife Department (SWD) has been performing the task of protecting the marine turtles for the past 22 years, it has not yet obtained land for establishing a laboratory at the Hawkesbay due to non-cooperation of the city government’s land department.

The authorities continue to ignore the importance of a laboratory and study centre for the marine turtles at the Hawkesbay which will not only support the ongoing project, but will also promote local and international tourism in the city, as Sandspit and Hawkesbay are among the eleven major nesting beaches in the world for Green and Ridley — Olive turtles.

Though, efforts are being made by the Programme for Economic Revival of Karachi under the provincial and city governments to harness the resources at the beaches of Karachi, but the potentials of eco-tourism have never been taken seriously which have proved its commercial value in a number of developing countries like Nepal and Thailand.

The SWD had started its initiatives in 1991 by requesting the defunct KMC for grant of a plot No. 88 at the Hawkesbay to establish a laboratory and a study centre.

Despite repeated efforts, the matter is lying at the revenue department of the city government.

With the development of environment-friendly resorts and rest houses at Karachi beaches, not only the city will benefit from it by availing healthy and family entertainment facilities but the civic agencies will also earn considerable revenues.—PPI