Karachi needs major drainage plan before monsoon

KARACHI: Karachi needs a major drainage plan before the monsoon.

This was stated in a report on `Rain Emergency' released by the Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) here on Thursday.

A SSUET statement here said that the report was issued on the directive of its Chancellor Z.A. Nizami.

Chancellor Nizami maintained that whenever there is heavy rainfall in Karachi coinciding with high tides in Arabian Sea, the basic civic services like storm water drainage, water supply, sewerage, power supply, accessibility and movement within city get disrupted and daily routine life of citizens comes to almost a standstill during this period besides loss of life and damage to property.

This situation, he emphasized, warrants suitable measures prior to the start of monsoon season preferably well in advance as to minimize possible miseries suffered by citizen, save the loss of life and property.

Nizami pointed out that considering the rainfall impact on civic service, the report discussed threadbare problems and solutions thereof.

He was of the view that recommendations of the report are mostly experience-driven, service-oriented and at the same time, the role of civic bodies, efforts of NGOs and media coverage have also been included and can go a long way to improve on-ground situation on lasting basis.

Nizami stated that precautionary measures are immediately needed for uninterrupted service during rains.

According to the report, there are 100 vulnerable spots in Karachi where flooding occurs whenever there is rainfall for which technical solutions for permanent remedy are needed.

Purpose of these works would be to improve conditions, he said and pointed out that since monsoon season is approaching it is necessary for authorities to undertake proactive steps on fast track and on war footing.

It may be mentioned here that on the Chancellors directives, the SSUET's Institute of Human Settlements and Disaster Management of University, has published many reports on Environment and Disaster Management as a public service activity.