Karachi Residents Protest Nehr-i-Khayam Commercial Project
Karachi residents protest against the Sindh Government over a new commercial zone near Nehr-i-Khayam, citing risks of urban flooding and ecological damage.
Karachi residents protest urban flooding risk as a massive backlash erupts against the Sindh Government over a new commercial development project along the Nehr-i-Khayam in the Clifton area. Environmentalists and local communities have taken to the streets to demand an immediate halt to the construction, warning that the project threatens to trigger catastrophic urban flooding and destroy the local marine ecosystem.
Demands for Transparency and Environmental Safety
Members from the Clifton Block 5 Residents Association, Clifton Defence Community, and the Karachi Residents’ Community (District South) converged at the construction site to voice their grievances. The protesters are demanding full public disclosure regarding the project, including:
- Approved engineering designs and land boundaries.
- Environmental impact assessments and decisions from the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency.
- Details regarding construction contracts and total expenditure.
The demonstrators expressed deep concern over the proposed "food street" and commercial zone, arguing that narrowing the existing waterway could significantly reduce its stormwater capacity, leaving the city vulnerable to devastating floods during heavy rains.
Threat to Marine Ecosystem and Urban Life
The protest highlighted significant concerns regarding the ecological and social impact of the development. Residents pointed out several critical issues:
- Ecological Damage: Humaira Khan of the Clifton Defence Community warned that the project could exacerbate the issue of untreated wastewater being discharged into the sea, causing irreparable harm to marine life.
- Urban Congestion: Local residents fear the development will lead to increased traffic, noise, and congestion in an already densely populated residential neighborhood.
- Lack of Information: Resident Hummaa Ahmad questioned the lack of transparency, noting the absence of a public information board at the construction site.
Expert Warnings on Nehr-i-Khayam
The project, which is reportedly valued at PKR 500 million, has drawn sharp criticism from environmental experts. Masood Lohar, founder of the Clifton Urban Forest, emphasized the ecological importance of the waterway.
"Nehr-i-Khayam connects Obhayo Lagoon with Gizri Creek and should not be altered without considering its ecological significance," Lohar stated, cautioning that damaging this vital link could intensify environmental risks for the entire region.
The protesters are calling for independent assessments of the project's impact on drainage and the environment, alongside meaningful public consultation and a guarantee that no commercial structures will be allowed on the channel land.