PROBLEM OF POLLUTION IN KARACHI

In our natural environment pollution is the single biggest threat to our current way of life. There are a number of variable sources of environment pollution, including air pollution, water pollution, ground water pollution, and land pollution. Of course noise pollution is another growing source of problematic pollution in our world as well. The worsening air pollution in Karachi, especially that caused by smoke of vehicles and burning garbage in open air, is behind the sharp rise in respiratory diseases in Karachi, and the situation might go further aggravated if the government and other stakeholders failed to take timely and effective steps. Pollution in the Karachi city is going from bad to worse and almost all main arteries of the city are covered in thick fumes and smog of dangerous gases during rush hour. Smoke-emitting vehicles, especially rickshaws, are the main culprit of air and noise pollution .In Karachi the air pollution is caused by vehicles like, automobiles, trucks, rickshaws, aircraft producing carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, lead pollution. Stationary sources of air pollution are industrial plants, power generation systems, construction projects and solid wastes. These sources add pollution like sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate including dust, ash, soot, metals and various chemicals. On the other hand Karachi coastline is facing severe pollution due to a combination of industrial, port, municipal, and transportation activities in the area. The coastline is being overwhelmed with water-borne pollution being discharged in the shipping process into the marine environment. Some of the marine life was contaminated with lead, which if consumed by humans through seafood, has been linked to anemia, kidney failure, and brain damage. In fact, the mangrove forests-protecting the feeder creeks from sea erosion as well as a source of sustenance for fishermen--are threatened by this pollution.  The greatest pollution occurs at Karachi port is because of its high usage from vessels illegally pumping out bilges and refuse at the port's oil terminal.

                                      It is difficult to predict exactly how much destruction will be caused over the next ten years, but it has already been proven that the predictions from very few years ago were woefully inadequate and our destructive environment pollution is growing faster than our remedies. Saving the planet from this perpetual destruction requires immediate action on everyone’s part.

By: Beenish Khan
Dept of English, BS III Year, KU