KARACHI: Expressing concerns over the recurring monsoon-induced floods in Karachi, Altaf Shakoor, Chairman of the Pasban Democratic Party (PDP), emphasized that the financial toll of these floods surpasses the expenses required to restore the city’s natural waterways. Shakoor pointed out that the systematic blockage of Karachi’s natural drainage system has led to annual flooding, with rivers and inlets encroached upon by roads, real estate projects, and unplanned settlements.
Shakoor advocated for an eco-redesign of the city to revive natural water flows while incorporating engineered solutions for unavoidable bottlenecks. He called for the removal of encroachments with appropriate relocation and compensation for affected individuals, rather than forced evictions.
He proposed the restoration of floodplains and buffer zones, suggesting they be converted into spaces like linear parks or sports fields that can absorb floodwaters without causing damage. Citing the example of Rotterdam’s floodable parks, Shakoor highlighted the benefits of integrating such designs to manage excess rainwater.
To address water conservation, Shakoor recommended the construction of underground stormwater tanks to temporarily store rainwater. He also stressed the importance of data collection, mapping, and early warning systems, proposing a comprehensive hydrological mapping of Karachi using satellite imagery.
Criticizing the Sindh provincial government and Karachi’s local administration for corruption, Shakoor called for improved governance and the establishment of a single drainage authority. He proposed the creation of the “Karachi Stormwater Authority” to consolidate the efforts of various municipal and provincial bodies.
Shakoor argued that Karachi’s flooding is a correctable design issue, contingent upon respecting natural waterways and implementing smart infrastructure. He cited successful international examples, including Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon stream restoration and China’s “sponge cities,” as evidence of the feasibility of such plans.
Emphasizing that prevention is more cost-effective than repair, Shakoor urged governmental action to reclaim occupied waterways, thereby averting significant losses to life and property during monsoons.