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By: Ramesh Raja
Each monsoon season, Karachi drowns – not because of rain, but because of negligence. This city of 20 million people, the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, still relies on emergency pumps, blocked drains, and makeshift channels to survive cloudbursts. Citizens deserve better than yearly disasters followed by hollow promises.
The truth is simple. Karachi once had 41 natural nallahs that safely carried rainwater to the sea for centuries. For thousands of years, the city never flooded.
But today, these lifelines are choked with garbage, encroachments, and illegal constructions. Unless we restore them to full capacity, Karachi will remain an artificially drained city, collapsing under the next heavy storm.
Reviving the nallahs is the first step—but not the only one. Cities around the world have gone beyond drains and adopted science-backed solutions. Karachi too must learn:
Detention Basins & Lakes: Parks and low-lying areas can temporarily hold excess water instead of letting it drown streets.
None of this is rocket science. What Karachi needs is political will. And that is where the problem lies. PPP governs most towns and holds the Mayor’s seat.
READ: Heavy rain disrupts Karachi with traffic jams, outages
MQM has the largest share in the National Assembly from Karachi. Jamaat-e-Islami and PTI also control parts of the city. With such representation, why is Karachi still sinking? Instead of bickering, these parties should sit together, form a joint think tank, and launch a Stormwater Resilience Master Plan.
Funding is not an excuse. International donors, philanthropists, and even citizens are ready to contribute—if they see genuine, corruption-free efforts.
Climate change is not waiting. Each year, rains are heavier, faster, and more destructive. If we keep patching leaks instead of building solutions, Karachi’s future will be washed away.
As a lifelong citizen of this city, I say this with pain but also with hope: Karachi does not need excuses anymore—it needs science, leadership, and honesty. The time to act is not tomorrow. The time for Karachi is now.
Cloudburst Tunnels & Reservoirs: Tokyo and Copenhagen built underground water tunnels to store and discharge stormwater safely. Karachi can do the same.
Separate Sewerage and Stormwater: Mixing sewage with rainwater creates health hazards. Dedicated networks are essential.
Rainwater Harvesting & Recharge Wells: Every downpour wastes millions of gallons. That water could replenish our groundwater and be stored for dry months.
Blue-Green Infrastructure: Permeable pavements, rain gardens, and green roofs can turn the city into a sponge instead of a bowl.
Smart Sensors & Early Warning: Real-time monitoring of water levels and tides can prevent disasters before they strike.
Tidal Gates at Outfalls: Modern gates and pumps can stop seawater from flowing back into the city during high tides.
