Key Takeaways
- An illegal dyke has been constructed in Korangi Creek, Karachi, disrupting the natural flow of water.
- Mangroves are being cut for land reclamation, despite the SFD confirming the illegal activity.
- Experts warn of increased vulnerability to natural hazards due to the loss of mangrove cover.
Illegal mangrove cutting and land reclamation activities have been observed in Korangi Creek, Karachi, raising concerns about environmental degradation and potential natural hazards.
According to Dawn, mangroves on one side of the creek are being deprived of their essential water supply due to the construction of an earthen bund, leading to their drying out and subsequent cutting.
The Sindh Forest Department (SFD) confirmed that the illegal activity was being carried out on its land, but police refused to take action, citing the matter as sub judice.
The Mangrove Biodiversity Park, inaugurated by Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab in September last year, is adjacent to the area where the illegal reclamation is taking place.
A senior official from the SFD stated that the land in question belongs to the Forest Department and that such illegal allotments by the Board of Revenue have been a recurring issue.
The official further mentioned that the Forest Department had attempted to take action but was unable to do so due to the legal proceedings initiated by the other party.
The practice of creating bunds to stop water from reaching the mangroves has been ongoing for several months, with the trees drying up and being cut once they are no longer viable.
Experts warn that the continued loss of mangrove cover could leave Karachi’s coastal areas more vulnerable to natural hazards, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
The SFD has taken action against such activities several times, but the current case is stalled due to the legal issue.
