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Karachi Residents Choke on Garbage Fumes
15 Dec
Summary
- Persistent garbage smell and bird swarms plague Defence View residents.
- Nightly garbage truck movements disrupt residents' sleep.
- Facility upgrade to covered center planned for next year.
Residents of Defence View and surrounding areas in Karachi are enduring severe pollution from the GTS Imtiaz garbage transfer station. Persistent foul odors, dust, and harmful fumes have made daily life miserable, leading to health concerns and sleep disruption. The station, managed by the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB), temporarily holds waste from district East before it is moved to landfill sites.
Complaints include overwhelming stench, swarms of birds, and air quality issues impacting respiratory health. Students from nearby educational institutions report difficulties due to thick dust during waste transfer and previous instances of garbage burning. Residents expressed frustration, noting the contrast between upscale living expectations and the reality of environmental degradation.
The SSWMB Managing Director acknowledged the issues, stating GTS Imtiaz is among facilities slated for modernization. The upgrade to a covered center is expected by early next year. Measures are also being taken to prevent garbage burning and manage potential fire risks from methane gas.
