Karachi (HRNW): Expressing deep distress over the environmental decay and unchecked urbanization of the metropolis, former Administrator of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), Fahim Zaman, stated that Karachi was once a beautiful, lush city. However, ruthless construction and a total failure of urban planning have systematically transformed it into a concrete jungle.
From Fishing in the Lyari River to a Sewerage Drain
Appearing on ARY News’ morning show Bakhabar Swera, the former administrator reminisced about his childhood, contrasting the city’s vibrant past with its current grim reality.
He disclosed that some 30 to 40 years ago, Karachi’s ecosystem was so clean and healthy that residents regularly went fishing in the Lyari River—a water body that has today completely degenerated into an open toxic sewage drain.
The Eradication of Green Cover and Playgrounds
Fahim Zaman highlighted the catastrophic loss of the city’s flora. “During our childhood, Karachi was adorned with Jamun, Almond, Guava, Gulmohar, and various other shading and fruit-bearing trees. Today, you will barely find these trees anywhere in the city,” he remarked.
Critiquing the unregulated vertical expansion, the former KMC chief noted that Karachi previously boasted sprawling parks and open playgrounds for the youth. Instead of preserving these civic spaces, authorities have violated building control regulations to grant open permissions for the erection of massive 30-story commercial and residential complexes on squeezed plots.
A Call to Restore the Concrete Jungle
Zaman lamented that the city’s green cover has been completely swallowed by the nexus of the builder mafia and corrupt administrative elements. As a result, one can travel through entire neighborhoods today without encountering a single mature tree.
He urged higher authorities and environmental bodies to initiate emergency measures to restore Karachi’s green cover, safeguard remaining public parks, and strictly enforce building codes before the city faces a complete ecological collapse.
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