This refers to the increasing air pollution in Karachi’s Gulshan-i-Iqbal area that has seen a rapid increase in the use of private transport and the number of industrial units that have popped up in recent years.
As if these issues were not enough to spread pollution, the construction work initiated in connection with the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Red Line project across University Road has ensured a spike in environmental degradation.
The project, which may be beneficial to the masses in the long run, has been a nuisance for the people living in the area; and there are millions of them. This has been a source of both air and noise pollution, with clouds of dust engulfing the area and constant noise of heavy machinery working at the project site even in the middle of the night leaving people sleepless.
All this has increased the risk of serious health hazards, including breathing difficulties, chronic diseases, lung damage, nausea, fatigue, etc. The hospitals in the area have already seen an unexpected rise in the number of patients showing symptoms of chronic illnesses, and it is important for the government to take notice of the emerging scenario at the earliest.
Owing to the seriousness of the situation, the relevant authorities should curb air pollution and decrease the risk of people being affected by it, for having a safe environment and peace of mind are also fundamental human rights.
AIMAN AHMED
KARACHI
