YET another project in Karachi is underway that could negatively affect the environment. The Karachi Port-Q ayyumabad Expressway, a Rs64.20 billion project, will connect East Wharf to Shahrah-iBhutto. The project will effectively create a concrete jungle in the midst of residential areas.
Karachi already grapples with a dearth of vegetation and an overabundance of concrete/asphalt surfaces, which together exacerbate heat retention and contributeto the city’s sweltering temperatures.
Climate change is 1(nown beyond doubt to have a profound impact on Karachi, driving intense urban heatisland effects, and severe urbannooding.In this backdrop, this proposed elevated expressway over densely populated residential areas, including DHA and Clifton, raises serious concerns regarding privacy, continuous noise pollution, environmental degradation, and public health. Besides, the anticipated 24-hour movement of heavy vehicles may have an adverse impact on the wellbeing, safety and, indeed, economic stability of area residents.
Instead of using M-10 and restoring freight trains, the government wants to add further to the ugly concrete infrastructure that the city already has. The project funds of more than RsG4 billion must be utilised in partnership with Pal(istan Railways to upgrade its cargo facilities.
Syed Jamal Macdi Karachi