THATTA, Feb 4: Representatives of fishermen and social and literary organisations have expressed concern over gradual deterioration of the Keenjhar Lake and appealed to the government to help clean the lake and provide facilities to local fishermen and visitors.

Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) Chairman Mohammad Ali Shah, Keenjhar Fishermen Society (KFS) Chairman Adam Gandro, Bilawal Samoon of HRCP, Aslam Jarwar and a WWF representative Dr. Akash Abbasi said in a joint meeting organised by Keenjhar Fishermen Society at Sonhery House Makli on Saturday that pollution was on the rise in the lake.

They said that the release of toxic effluent of Kotri Industrial Estate into the lake, excavation of RBOD near the lake, lack of mechanised cleansing and de-weeding system, inadequate lodging and boarding facilities and lack of security for picnickers and visitors had resulted in decline in people’s interest in the lake.

They said that the lake had high potential for generating huge revenue and suggested convincing private sector to make investments in the lake to help improve its condition.

The lack of coordination in operating and maintaining the lake among four government departments.