SUMMARY of the Article “Urban Flooding,” by Dr Noman Ahmed, Dawn, July 25th, 2024
The article by Dr. Noman Ahmed addresses the critical issue of urban flooding in Karachi, particularly in light of the expected torrential rains in early August. Various government tiers, including the chief minister and the president, have emphasized the need for immediate and effective preparations to mitigate the damage caused by flooding. The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) is tasked with managing the main storm drains but faces significant challenges due to limited financial and technical resources. One of the primary causes of urban flooding is the uncoordinated real estate development, especially in areas designated for livestock rearing, urban farming, and forestation. Anti-encroachment efforts have largely failed to improve water drainage. Historically, Karachi’s development, including its storm drainage system, was well-planned during the British colonial period, integrating land surveys and rainfall assessments to manage rainwater effectively. However, these practices were not institutionalized post-independence, leading to the current dysfunction. The idea of using the sewerage system for rainwater disposal is also problematic due to the informal settlements along major nullahs. Illegal sand mining, encroachments, and the dumping of solid waste have further disrupted the natural and manmade storm drains, reducing their capacity. The article underscores the need for comprehensive solutions, including regular maintenance of drainage systems, prevention of waste dumping, strengthening of embankments, dredging of watercourses, and the separation of sewerage from drainage systems. The » Read More…