Home / Environment / Karachi Waterway Turned Construction Site: Protests Erupt
Karachi Waterway Turned Construction Site: Protests Erupt
12 Oct
Summary
- Protesters oppose commercial development on Nehr-i-Khayam waterway.
- Concerns raised over marine ecosystem, flood risk, and drainage capacity.
- Residents demand transparency regarding project plans and funding.
A significant protest took place on Sunday at the Nehr-i-Khayam construction site in Karachi, where environmentalists and local community groups voiced strong opposition to the development of a commercial belt. Demonstrators held placards highlighting concerns about alleged violations of Supreme Court orders and the potential negative impacts on the city's drainage system.
Key figures at the protest emphasized Nehr-i-Khayam's ecological importance, describing it as a crucial link between marine bodies and a natural component of Clifton's ecosystem. They warned that altering the waterway could lead to severe flooding. Residents also expressed frustration over the lack of public information, demanding full disclosure of the project's plans, environmental assessments, and financial details.
Protesters further called for the protection of the channel's storm-water capacity and public open space, demanding an end to commercial encroachment. They also urged for proper sewage treatment before discharge into the sea and independent scrutiny of environmental impacts. A spokesperson for the KMC stated that the project is managed by the local government department and not the KMC.
