Pollution-free Karachi

Published November 12, 2024 Updated November 12, 2024 07:39am

ACCORDING to the Sindh Forest Department, approximately 200 hectares of mangrove forest along Karachi’s coastline were lost between 2010 and 2022. Also, the green belts in the city have for long been turning into commercial areas, destroying the ecosystem. Overcrowded roads with a pathetic public transport system cause noise pollution, suffocation, anxiety and depression among the people.

Industrial units emit harmful subst-ances and gases into the atmosphere. Worn-out vehicles, including buses, cars and auto rickshaws, use low-quality fuel which leads to the discharge of an una-cceptable amount of carbon into the environment. Besides, harmful gases, like carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, generate the greenhouse effect that has been blamed for the rising global temperatures.

Apart from this, activities like defor-estation and burning of waste add fuel to the fire. The use of plastic bags and bottles not just damage the fertile land and beauty, but also pose a threat to marine life. Research shows that plastic bags, nets and bottles take up to 1,000 years to decompose.

If we really want a clean as well as pollution-free city, we must learn to take responsibility of our actions. Small and healthy acts, like planting trees, ensuring cleanliness, and recycling, can help us make our city pollution-free.

Hammad Saleem
Karachi

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2024

Opinion

Editorial

United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.
System failure
Updated 12 Nov, 2024

System failure

Relevant institutions often treat right to internet connectivity with the same disdain as they do civil and political rights.
Narrowing the gap
12 Nov, 2024

Narrowing the gap

PERHAPS a pat on the back is in order for the ECP. Together with Nadra, it has made visible efforts to reduce...
Back on their feet
12 Nov, 2024

Back on their feet

A STIRRING comeback in the series has ended Pakistan’s 22-year wait for victory against world champions Australia....