ENVIRONMENTAL hazards posed by the Korangi industrial area in Karachi are disturbing the ecological equilibrium of the sprawling area. The rapid commercial boom in Korangi has brought prosperity at the cost of environmental degradation.

This industrial area hosts a variety of manufacturing facilities. Its strategic location near the port and properly developed infrastructure have their own attraction for business and industrial concerns. Owing to the lack of proper oversight, however, these commercial enterprises have been affecting the environment seriously.

Besides, according to the Pakistan Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), the level of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM10) in the area was 2.58 and 177.9 units, respectively. This is the major cause of an increase in respiratory and cardiac diseases among area residents. Besides, research has also established that exposure to pollutants may also affect mental health by causing depression and anxiety.

The authorities should immediately step in to control airborne pollutants, such as chemicals and smoke. Solar and wind power should replace the source of air pollutants, like coal and oil. Besides, creating more parks and planting trees across Korangi will also be helpful in overcoming the negative impact of large-scale industrial activity in the area.

Unzur Naveed
Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 11th, 2024