KARACHI, March 5: Rapid environmental degradation in the Old City areas is causing anxiety among residents. Expressing concern at the increasing environment pollution in areas like Kharadar, Mithadar, Bhimpura and Ranchore Lane, the residents have demanded action.

They are demanding that warehouses and industrial units opened in residential areas be relocated.

They complained that the main culprit responsible for the high pollution levels is round-the-clock operation of small industrial units.

The residents said almost all of these industries were built illegally. They said in Khardar, Mithadar and certain parts of Saddar Town, cottage and services industries were operating in residential areas in complete violation of rules.

These industrial units, the residents complained were a major source of noise and air pollution and other environmental degradation hazards.

“Those living around these units are exposed directly to all sorts of Hazardous chemicals are stored and used in many factories producing plastic goods, soap, spices etc. These production units are located in narrow lanes of various localities, all of which are densely populated.

Another reason for the mushroom growth of industrial units in Old Town residential areas was the availability of cheap labour which mainly comprises the children of poor residents.