KARACHI: In a major step towards a cleaner and safer city, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) on Tuesday revived the long-neglected incineration plant that was first installed in 1998 but remained ineffective for years, to dispose of up to 10 tonnes of industrial and medical waste daily.

Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab inaugurated the repair and rehabilitation project of the incineration plant located in Gutter Bagheecha in the Mewa Shah area within Keamari district.

Accompanied by KMC Council Deputy Parliamentary Leader Dil Muhammad, Jaman Darwan, UC Chairman Ali Raza Rind and elected representatives, the mayor called the development a “major achievement” towards the “clean and green Karachi”.

“As Karachi continues to grow, so does the volume of hazardous waste. The complaints have been surfacing about industrial waste being dumped into drains and medical waste, including used syringes and blood bags, reaching the seashore,” he said while talking to journalists after the inauguration of the plant. “This has raised serious concerns about environmental pollution and public health risks. I firmly believe that such steps will help us achieving zero level of industrial or medical waste pollution.”

Facility can process up to 10 tonnes of industrial and medical waste daily

The participants at the ceremony were informed that the incineration plant, located in Mewa Shah, was originally set up by the KMC in 1998 after purchasing two high-capacity incinerators in 1995.

However, despite its installation, the plant failed to function effectively over the years, leaving the city struggling with the safe disposal of industrial and medical waste.

Recognising the urgency of the situation, the KMC decided in 2025 to rehabilitate the old plant and upgrade it with modern “cyclone technology”. Within 10 months, the facility was successfully restored and made operational again.

“With its new technology, the plant can now safely dispose of up to 10 tonnes of industrial and medical waste daily. The installation of a carbon monoxide dilution system has also helped reduce harmful emissions, making the process more environmentally friendly,” said Mayor Wahab.

It may be noted that the chief of the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board had recently said Karachi produces 14,800 tonnes of garbage daily.

The mayor further stated that industries and hospitals lacking proper disposal facilities should contact the KMC.

The vehicles of Karachi Metropolitan Corporation will collect waste material from their premises.

He emphasised that government-level facilities for the safe disposal of medical and industrial waste have been provided, and all institutions must support the administration since air, water, and the environment are shared resources and their protection is a collective responsibility.

He warned that any hospital or factory failing to dispose of waste properly will face strict action.

To make the sea environmentally friendly, “TP-1” is being reactivated, and the first phase of the 20 MGD pilot project has already been implemented.

The process of converting treated water for industrial use has also begun, and TP-1 in Haroonabad will be formally inaugurated in the coming days.

The mayor said that development work is continuing across the city without discrimination and that the KMC is delivering practical results. A flyover has been constructed in Cattle Colony, while work on the Azimpura flyover is ongoing and will be completed.

He added that the condition of the Mewa Shah graveyard, once in a deplorable state, has significantly improved.

Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2026