KARACHI, Jan 31: The people residing in Lea Market and adjoining areas have urged the authorities to reduce air and noise pollution which is affecting their health. The residents complained that the roadside structures built by transport operators were adding to traffic congestion. These structures were erected on pavements and on the streets connecting the market to other areas.

Traffic jams from dawn to dusk have become a routine. The major reason is haphazard parking of the large upcountry-bound buses on the market roundabout and on the link routes. The residents said contrary to the city government officials’ claims that inter-city transport would be shifted from the residential areas of Lyari Town, the illegal bus stands were still operarting.

The situation is becoming worse as transporters are opening new booking offices in the locality. Many such offices are located on Sheedi Village, Haat Chowk, Chawkiwara and new Juna Kumharwara roads. Transporters often block the streets and lanes leading to these booking offices by parking their vehicles.

A senior officer of Lyari General Hospital admitted that the noise level in Lea Market and its surrounding areas was higher than the tolerable level of 70 decibels. According to him, high-level of noise pollution has negative impact on health and may cause loss of hearing, increased palpitation, blood pressure, respiratory and chest related diseases.

Lea market is one of the major commercial centres in old city area and serves as a junction for upcountry buses. The slackness on part of city government officials to enforce the law has turned the entire market area into a major bus terminal.