Environment devastated by political bias and apathy

Karachi: The year 2008 was marked by political affiliations causing government institutions, particularly those liable to monitor the environmental degradation, to run ineffectively as political bias pervaded operations of the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa), now witnessing a fourth new chief within a year.

On the other hand, environmentalists claim that political will is required for positive development, as issues such as rapid urbanisation and demographic trends, air quality, water supply and sanitation, and the disposal of the city’s waste have staggering environmental implications. For instance, the government has thus far failed in holding negligent departments accountable for the Korangi oil spill catastrophe that left many citizens vulnerable to environmental and health hazards.

The government led by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) had guaranteed action against projects that posed threats to the environment, but as yet, the government is going down the same route as its predecessors. Apart from Sepa miserably failing in its role to monitor the violation of environment laws, environmentalists have also been let down by the Environment Tribunal. “Had the agency been equipped with proper tools and authorised technical staff the city would not have faced environmental losses,” claim experts.

Environmentalists have particularly condemned city planners for outlining projects without keeping in mind long term effects of the same on the environment of the city, and designing projects of land reclamation for constructing commercial centres. Development experts have disclosed that controversial projects, Diamond Bar City and Sugarland City, worth $110 billion dollars, are still in the works. Similarly, the 129-kilometre-long coastline in the city, which had sufficient tree cover along roads, parks and playgrounds a decade ago, is now suffering from loss of greenery. Due to a lack of tree cover, air pollution may increase consequently escalating the risk of lung disorders.

Experts and activists have both criticised projects which would wipe out mangroves along the coasts. Experts believe that if the project is continued, it will endanger the habitat and displace local communities. “Both projects (Diamond Bar City and Sugarland City) may destroy the ecological system, leaving the people of Karachi vulnerable to cyclones, because mangroves which act as shelters during disasters would be destroyed in the name of development,” said experts.

Gravel lifting from Gadap and Bin Qasim towns river beds by influential contractors also continued during the tenure of the incumbent government. According to environmentalists, this practice is devastating for local communities.

Livestock, which was already under the threat of increasing urbanisation, is now prone to increased risks. Industrial waste flowing effluent through natural drains into the sea from different suburb localities has caused loss of cattle heads. However, the presence of a small population of hare around city suburbs, including the Hub River forests and mountainous areas along famous beach resorts are inspiring for wildlife conservationists.

While the population of common birds, such as crows and house sparrows, is declining in rural habitats, wildlife conservationists claim that their population is increasing in urban parts as they have access to food from dumping sites and rooftops.

Amidst all overwhelming odds, the plan to introduce apiculture in the costal areas of Sindh and Balochistan by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) remains an impressive decision, as mangroves forests have been identified potential for this alternative source of income.By Jan Khaskheli, Source The News