KARACHI:Opposition Leader Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Saifuddin Advocate visited Nehr-i-Khayyam, Clifton Block-5, where Sindh government's controversial project of converting canal into narrow drains is under way, and reviewed situation.
Briefing the media on the occasion, Saifuddin Advocate said issue of Nehr-i-Khayyam was not merely political, but related to environment, urban development, public interest and basic rights of citizens. Karachi was already becoming a concrete jungle and open spaces in the city were shrinking on fast pace, therefore protection of natural waterways and environment is inevitable.
He said Nehr-i-Khayyam was a vast natural waterway of rainwater, through which rainwater used to pass, but gradually it was turned into sewerage waterway. Residents of area demand that separate arrangement of drains or pipelines should be made for sewerage water and remaining part of canal should be restored and kept open. We also support this demand and believe that while planning, needs of citizens and protection of environment should be given basic importance.
He said concerned departments should provide all documents of the project and clarify for what purpose land of Nehr-i-Khayyam will be used. If the intention of the government is to keep canal restored and protect public interest, it should adopt clear stance in this regard. For satisfying citizens, it is necessary that details of project be brought before them, he said.
Saifuddin Advocate said he will raise this matter in the City Council and the KMC Council and will try that all documents related to project be presented before elected representatives. Transparency about any public project is necessary, because citizens have right to know what decisions are being taken about natural waterways and open spaces of their city.
"If the project is transparent, its PC-1, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and other relevant official documents should be presented before public and elected representatives," he said.
He said apparently it seems eyes are on precious land along Nehr-i-Khayyam and there is planning of commercial activities here as is being done in parks but it will not be accepted in any way.
Opposition Leader KMC said during rains large quantity of water accumulates in Karachi. "There is apprehension that drainage of rainwater will be affected by closing canal or limiting its natural waterway. Similarly, due to lack of proper arrangement of cleaning and maintenance in drain being made for sewerage, garbage can accumulate and citizens may have to face more difficulties in case of closure of drainage system. Therefore it is necessary to review project on technical grounds."
He further said protection of other natural waterways including Malir River in Karachi was also necessary. Due to pollution of sewerage water in Malir River and increasing construction around it, environmental problems were arising. Similarly, cutting of trees and reduction in open spaces in the city was also alarming. Effective steps including plantation are needed to make Karachi green and reduce environmental pollution, he added.
On the occasion Deputy Parliamentary Leader Taimoor Ahmed, President of Clifton Residents Forum Rasha Tariq, environmental activists Yasir Hussain, Ahmed Shabar, social activist Abdul Hameed Dagia and large number of citizens were present.