Karachi’s Waste Management Crisis

Have you ever wondered where your household waste, espe­cially plastic bags, ends up? Unfor­tunately, much of it is dumped in ev­ery corner of the city. From high-rise buildings to cottage houses, garbage is a constant feature found at every doorstep. Karachi’s waste manage­ment system remains insufficient and incapable of handling the vast amounts of garbage collected daily.

Currently, the country’s larg­est city produces 12,000 to 14,000 tonnes of garbage per day, of which 9,000 to 10,000 tonnes are disposed of, leaving a daily backlog of at least 2,000 tonnes, according to the state-run Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB). This poses a seri­ous threat to public health and the environment, contributing to fre­quent outbreaks of viral infections. The increasing amount of gar­bage creates a claustrophobic sit­uation where the city’s streets, alleys, and even main roads are choked with waste.



This not only makes Karachi look like a giant landfill but also leads to severe health and environmental hazards. World Bank Group BoD okays $300m IDA loan for Punjab Clean Air Programme The inefficiency of waste manage­ment authorities, coupled with the lack of public awareness and respon­sibility, exacerbates the problem. Many citizens, due to inadequate disposal facilities, resort to dump­ing garbage in open spaces, storm drains, or even burning it, which re­leases toxic chemicals into the air.

To tackle this issue, the govern­ment must implement strict waste management policies, invest in re­cycling plants, and encourage com­munity participation in cleanliness drives. Raising public awareness through social media campaigns, educational programmes, and com­munity-driven initiatives is crucial. Without it, Karachi will contin­ue to serve as a breeding ground for diseases and environmental de­struction.

The time to act is now. TOOBA ABBASI, Karachi. Tags: karachi waste management.