THE people of Karachi living in the vicinity of Boating Basin wish to draw the authorities` attention to a blot on the city`s landscape called Nehr-i-Khayam. The name conjures the image of something beautiful and awe-inspiring like the Taj Mahal.

However, reality is completely the opposite.

The 120-foot wide Naher-i-Khayam was meant to serve as an open tract of land and meant to be one of the major lungs of Clifton. Its function was to serve as a major storm water drain that would carry rain and/or tidal water (not sewage) into the open sea. Today, it is a major source of environmental pollution and disease in Clifton. One cannot pass near it without covering one`s nose.

During Benazir Bhutto`s tenure, her government decided to order its cleaning and beautification. However, some influential people had other ideas.

Through a KDA resolution it was decided to appropriate the Nehr to `generate additional funds` and it was divided into eight plots for the constructionof high-rise commercial and residential complexes.

The citizens of Clifton and the NGO Shehri have filed a case in the Sindh High court against the scheme to divide this Neher, and obtained a stay order.

The citizens demand a permanent solution to this issue and would like the government to take early action in this respect.

Shafgat E llahi and others Karachi