Residents Rally Against Nehr-i-Khayyam Construction Amid Flood Concerns

KARACHI: Residents and environmentalists in Clifton’s Block 5 gathered on Sunday to protest the ongoing construction at Nehr-i-Khayyam, an open drain, expressing fears that covering the drain could lead to urban flooding and increased commercial activity in the area.

Participants held placards with messages such as “Commercial use of Nehr-i-Khayyam not accepted” and “Stop concreting drains, restore Nehr-i-Khayyam.” They highlighted that trees, which once lined both sides of the drain, have been significantly reduced, raising concerns about the environmental impact of the construction.

Witnesses at the site noted that construction was progressing on one side of the drain, with columns already erected and concrete blocks scattered nearby. The protesters demanded a halt to the project until a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is conducted and the project details are made public.

As urban flooding becomes an increasing concern for Karachi, the implications of this construction extend beyond environmental degradation; they touch on the safety and well-being of local residents. The protestors are calling for immediate action from authorities to address these issues and ensure that the community’s needs are prioritized.