KARACHI: Expressing concern over the city’s depleted state of green cover, lack of a sustainable transport system and facilities for treatment of effluent in Karachi, speakers at a programme held on Tuesday stated that the steep decline in environmental conditions had increased the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events in the metropolis.

The dialogue – Sustainable Development Goal #15 (Life on Land) – was held in connection with World Environment Day. It was organised by the National Forum for Environment and Health (NFEH).

In his keynote speech, Dr Noman Ahmed, Dean Faculty of Architecture and Planning, NED University of Engineering and Technology, emphasised the importance of urban planning for Karachi, highlighting the need for effective resource utilisation, sustainable transportation systems, green spaces, and eco-friendly architecture.

Highlighting the climate change challenges, he said that urban areas had been experiencing an annual increase in temperature by 0.5 degree owing to rapid deterioration in environmental conditions.

“The heat wave of June 2015, resulting in a massive number of casualties, and the torrential rains of 2022 in Karachi, causing widespread damage to the city infrastructure, have shown that the provincial capital has been experiencing extreme weather events with a greater frequency due to decline in environmental conditions,” he explained.

Dr Ahmed also suggested ways to improve the lives of Karachiites by implementing sustainable practices in industries and daily life.

Environment Minister Dost Muhammad Rahimoon, the chief guest, assured the audience that his department would work tirelessly to improve the environment in Sindh. He also promised to support industries, businessmen, and NGOs in their efforts to make the city clean and green.

Saquib Ejaz Hussain representing the EHS Services moderated the programme and spoke about the need for sustainable practices in industries. He underscored the need for collective efforts for environmental conservation.

Sharing his concern over the city’s loss of green cover, he said: “Karachi has been left with less than one per cent green cover.

Everyone should play its role to make at least 25 per cent of the city green as per the international environmental standards.”

Senior journalist Shabina Faraz talked about the role of the media in raising awareness about environmental issues. She emphasised the need for responsible reporting and the importance of media in shaping public opinion.

Gulzar Feroz, convener of the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s committee on environment, urged businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices to reduce their carbon footprint.

He called upon the Sindh government to install at least five combined effluent treatment plants to treat the hazardous industrial waste being generated by industrial units in the seven industrial estates in the city.

Published in Dawn, June 5th, 2024