Moazzam Khan, a technical advisor for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), has raised alarms about the severe impact of pollution on Karachi’s marine ecosystem. As the city marks World Oceans Day, Khan revealed staggering insights into the extent of environmental degradation affecting Karachi’s coastal waters.
Every day, approximately 500 million gallons of untreated sewage and industrial waste dumped into the sea off Karachi. This massive influx of contaminants has severely damaged the marine environment, creating vast ‘dead zones’ devoid of life.
Khan, speaking to Geo News, emphasized that these pollutants have spread nearly 10 kilometers beyond Karachi port. Once a thriving marine habitat, the areas around the port are now lifeless wastelands. “Significant marine species have vanished due to this relentless pollution,” he lamented.
Pollution has led to the disappearance of about ten key marine species in the vicinity of Karachi port. The toxic waters from the Lyari River, Malir River, and various other watercourses funnel directly into the sea, exacerbating the crisis.
The situation around areas like Gulbai and Machar Colony is particularly dire. Khan noted that these neighborhoods heavily contaminated, rendering them inhospitable for marine life. The pollution levels are so high that no marine species can survive in these waters anymore.
The ongoing pollution crisis poses a critical threat not just to marine biodiversity but also to the livelihoods of communities dependent on fishing and tourism. Khan’s revelations highlight the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the rampant pollution.
Efforts must directed towards upgrading waste treatment facilities and enforcing stringent regulations on industrial discharge. Without immediate intervention, Karachi’s once vibrant marine life could face irreversible damage.
As World Oceans Day serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving marine ecosystems, Karachi’s plight underscores a global challenge. The city’s situation is a call to action for governments, organizations, and individuals to unite to safeguard our oceans for future generations.
, has raised alarms about the severe impact of pollution on Karachi’s marine ecosystem. As the city marks World Oceans Day, Khan revealed staggering insights into the extent of environmental degradation affecting Karachi's coastal waters.){kind=link}