Rapid and reckless urbanization around Karachi, alongside industrial developments, led to a significant loss of mangrove habitat. Pollution caused by untreated industrial effluents, deforestation, and land reclamation for housing development has further diminished these areas.

There is now even a more vigorous move by the land developers to urbanize the coastal belt of Karachi and in the process more of mangroves and city’s ecosystem would be compromised. This is a time to raise the red flag to protect the city of Karachi.

Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and one of the most populous cities in the world, with over ‘25 million’ residents faces some critical environmental challenges. It ranks among the least green megacities globally, with less than 0.5 per cent tree canopy coverage, significantly below the global urban average of 10-20 percent.

This lack of urban greenery exacerbates climate risks, poor air quality, and the city’s overall livability, making it imperative for the civic authorities in particular to adopt transformative measures for a greener, more sustainable Karachi.

Mangroves are a novelty of nature. They are rare, spectacular and prolific ecosystems on the boundary between land and sea. These extraordinary ecosystems contribute to the wellbeing, food security, and protection of........

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