Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, is facing an alarming rise in pollution levels. As industrialization, population growth, and urbanization continue unabated, the city’s air, water, and land are being severely affected.
Karachi’s air quality has deteriorated significantly over the years, posing a grave threat to the health and well-being of its residents. According to the World Air Quality Index (AQI), Karachi consistently ranks among the most polluted cities in the world. The presence of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and harmful pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) far exceeds the safe limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Recent data shows that Karachi’s average PM2.5 levels exceed the WHO’s recommended annual limit of 10 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) by more than three times. In 2020, the city recorded an annual average of 32 µg/m³, indicating the severity of air pollution and its detrimental impact on public health. This alarming statistic is further corroborated by the increasing cases of respiratory ailments, cardiovascular diseases, and premature deaths among the city’s residents.
Karachi’s water bodies, including rivers, streams, and the Arabian Sea coastline, are also under severe threat from pollution. Industrial and domestic waste, including untreated sewage, is often discharged directly into these water sources, contaminating them with toxic chemicals and harmful bacteria. As a result, the water quality has significantly deteriorated, making it unsafe for human consumption and aquatic life.
Statistics reveal that more than 90% of Karachi’s sewage is discharged untreated into the Arabian Sea, severely impacting marine ecosystems and contributing to the spread of waterborne diseases. Additionally, a study conducted by the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) indicated that around 80% of the city’s water supply is contaminated with bacteria and other harmful substances, surpassing the permissible limits set by the WHO.
Currently, the country’s largest city produces 12,000 tonnes to 14,000 tonnes of garbage per day, of which 9,000 tonnes to 10,000 tonnes are disposed of, leaving a daily backlog of at least 2,000 tonnes, according to the state-run Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB). The figures are also endorsed by the Urban Resource Centre, a Karachi-based think tank involved in research on urban planning issues, said Mian Aamir in his article published in Heinrich Boll Stiftung, The Green Political Foundation.
“According to Chadhar, around 20 per cent to 30 per cent of fertile land in and around Karachi have been converted into industrial units and housing schemes in the last 10 years.”
Similarly, Karachi’s land pollution crisis is closely tied to its inadequate waste management system. The city produces a staggering amount of solid waste daily, estimated at over 16,500 tons, out of which only a fraction is properly disposed of or recycled. The rest accumulates in open dumps, vacant plots, and waterways, contaminating the soil and polluting the surrounding environment.
The unchecked dumping of solid waste has severe consequences for public health and the environment. It attracts disease-carrying pests, emits foul odors, and contributes to the release of greenhouse gases, exacerbating the impact of climate change. Moreover, the improper disposal of hazardous waste from industries further exacerbates the land pollution problem, posing serious risks to both human and ecological health.
Addressing the pollution crisis in Karachi requires comprehensive planning, stricter environmental regulations, increased public awareness, and investment in sustainable infrastructure. The government should prioritize the development of clean energy sources, promote eco-friendly transportation, and establish effective monitoring systems to track pollution levels and enforce environmental standards.
Furthermore, citizen participation is crucial in bringing about positive change. Individuals can contribute by adopting eco-friendly practices, reducing waste, and advocating for sustainable lifestyle choices. Voluntary initiatives, such as community clean-up drives, tree planting campaigns, and education programs on environmental conservation, can play a significant role in raising awareness and fostering a sense of collective responsibility towards the city’s pollution crisis.
Collaboration between the government, private sector, civil society organizations, and academia is essential to tackle Karachi’s pollution crisis effectively. Investments should be made in research and development to explore innovative solutions and technologies for pollution control and prevention. Additionally, strict enforcement of existing environmental regulations, along with the introduction of new measures, must be prioritized to hold polluters accountable and deter further degradation of the environment.
Karachi, as the economic and cultural hub of Pakistan, deserves a sustainable and healthy future for its residents. By taking immediate action to address the pollution crisis, the city can reclaim its position as a livable and vibrant metropolis. It is imperative that all stakeholders work together to implement effective measures, safeguard public health, protect the environment, and ensure a better quality of life for present and future generations.
The statistics on Karachi’s worsening pollution levels are alarming and cannot be ignored. The city’s air, water, and land are under significant threat, posing severe risks to human health, ecosystems, and the overall well-being of the population. The time for action is now. By implementing comprehensive policies, raising awareness, promoting sustainable practices, and enforcing environmental regulations, we can pave the way for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Karachi.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance
