Islamabad, July 22: President Asif Ali Zardari has called for a comprehensive plan to tackle urban flooding in Karachi, a city that frequently faces severe flooding during monsoon seasons.
The President expressed these views while chairing a meeting on saving Karachi from urban flooding and environmental degradation and promoting sustainable water resource development, at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad on July 22.
The President emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among various governmental bodies to implement effective solutions. The recurrent urban flooding in Karachi can be attributed to several factors, including poor infrastructure planning, rapid urbanization, and clogged drainage systems.
A significant issue is the encroachment on drainage channels and inadequate waste management, which exacerbate flooding during heavy rains. The lack of a master plan for the sewerage system has led to rainwater drains being used for untreated sewage disposal, further complicating the situation. Political rivalries and mismanagement of funds have also hindered the development of necessary infrastructure improvements.
Efforts have been made by the Sindh government to improve the drainage system and clear out blocked nullahs, but these measures have not been entirely successful due to deep-rooted structural issues and lack of consistent maintenance.
To address these challenges, the President highlighted the importance of a unified approach involving all political parties and stakeholders.
He called for urgent and targeted disbursement of funds, regular monitoring, and public transparency to ensure the effective implementation of flood prevention measures