Karachi eighth noisiest city in the world

[Naveed Yaseen]

Karachi is ranked eighth in world figures for noise pollution, as noise in the city ranges between 95 decibels and 110 decibels against the recommended level of 85 decibels.

This data on noise pollution was shared at a seminar titled ‘Rising pollution – Who is responsible’ which was organised at the Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) by the National Forum for Environment and Health (NFEH) in collaboration with Medical and Social Welfare Committee of the ACP on Wednesday to mark the Earth Day.

Speakers said that Karachi is ranked number one in noise pollution in the country, and residents of the city generate 9,000 metric tons of waste, of which only 50 per cent is properly disposed of, while the rest is burnt in open spaces. About 55,000 people are dying every year in the country due to various diseases caused by air pollution, which is also inflicting a loss of Rs90 billion on national exchequer, they added.

In his keynote address, the chief guest Dr Sajid Husain said we have collectively damaged our natural resources, and seemed to be indifferent and apathetic towards environment. He said that mankind had ruthlessly polluted the environment by ignoring the principle of sustainable development, and has carelessly utilised natural resources.

Prominent environmentalist Dr Sami-uz-Zaman said that both the Malir and Lyari rivers, which were the source of fresh water supply, have now been polluted beyond limits due to the discharge of industrial effluent. Zaman underlined the need for stringent guidelines to be issued to industries and municipal organisations.

NEFH President Naeem Qureshi said that 35 per cent of more than 1.7 million vehicles plying on Karachi’s roads are defected, while environmental pollution is causing diseases such as cancer, dermatitis and mental disorders.

The seminar adopted a resolution which called upon the state’s environmental departments to expedite pollution control efforts. They also called upon the government to give representation to environment-related NGOs in federal and provincial environmental protection agencies, and added that their performance should be brought before the nation.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=174056