KARACHI, Oct 22: Uncontrolled discharge of waste-water and unchecked shipping activities in and around Karachi have posed a threat to mangroves and marine life.

An EPA report said Pakistan’s waters are considered very productive for fish and other marine-life. It is largely due to presence of mangrove forests in the Indus Delta region.

Mangroves spread over 600,000 hectares are characterised by 17 major and innumerable minor creeks. They are largest arid climate mangroves in the world. They serve as hatcheries for larvae of fish and other marine life that live in peaceful waters.

The impact of marine pollution on environment and economy is substantial and far-reaching. The continuous pollution of marine environment not only seriously effects natural resources, but also enhances degradation process.

The pollution in Arabian Sea is on increase due to maritime and other factors. Its immediate effects are discernible in reduction of fish, deterioration of navigational installations and physical damage to ships and boats. Pakistan’s economy is an ultimate loser in this scenario.

Although cent percent pollution cannot be checked, it can evolve efficient protocols to manage waste disposal in such way to reduce it to tolerable level, so as to mitigate its worst effects.

Karachi harbour area, including marine channel, is one of the most oil polluted area along the coast of Pakistan. The total area of Karachi Port, including backwaters is about 25 square kilometres. About 50 billion cubic meter of seawater enters and leaves port area during tidal cycle.

Around 3,000 to 4,000 ships visit the port each year. In course of routine operation, ships discharge oily ballast water and bilge water, and cargo tank washings. Oily spills from oil-tankers and general cargo vessels, domestic waste and washouts from port area, industrial water flowing in from Lyari/ Malir rivers are significant sources of pollution.

Oil terminals and oil storage facilities operated by various organisations are constant sources of oil pollution.

According to EPA, Karachi generates approximately 280 million gallons per day of domestic and industrial waste. Nearly 80 per cent untreated municipal and industrial waste from 6000 industrial units of Karachi discharges into sea.

Around 8,000 metric tons garbage is generated daily in Karachi, much of which is dumped randomly at various locations due to absence of any proper waste disposal facility. Some of this garbage finds its way into sea.

The EPA Sindh has suggested development of a comprehensive programme of action to tackle marine pollution issue on long-term basis.

The programme should aim at preventing degradation of marine environment from land-based and shipping activities by facilitating realisation of duty to preserve and protect marine environment.—PPI