THE monsoon rains have once again exposed the seriously flawed drainage system in Karachi, with inundation on roads, streets and lanes disrupting traffic flow and the life in general. This is despite the fact that the city has yet to receive any sustained spell of intense rain.

Waterlogging is an old problem in Karachi. The authorities have never shied away from acknowledging the problem, but they have never really done anything concrete to fix it. The existing infrastru- cture is simply unable to manage even a drizzle. The problem has been made worse by chronic poor waste disposal, which often blocks drains and aggravates flooding issues.

To cope with this challenge, we need to take immediate and substantial actions. The situation calls for the upgradation of the city’s drainage infrastructure, the adoption of advanced tools and methods, and consistent monitoring. Awareness should also be raised by promoting public information regarding waste disposal to prevent the drainage system from becoming congested and clogged. The higher authorities should address this issue on a war footing so that the people of Karachi may have a better life.

Yumna Hassan Latk
Karachi

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2024