KARACHI: Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab inaugurated Pakistan’s first floating Mangrove Biodiversity Park at Korangi Creek, calling it a major step towards protecting mangrove forests and promoting environmental awareness.
The park has been developed in collaboration with the Sindh Forest Department to highlight the importance of mangrove conservation and encourage public participation in protecting the environment.
Speaking at the ceremony, Wahab said the project was a “significant step” for Karachi and praised private stakeholders, especially from the real estate sector, for supporting environmental projects.
“I brought my son here today so he can learn the importance of mangroves and environmental protection from a young age,” he said, urging civil society and the business community to join hands for the park’s long-term success.
Wahab announced that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) would soon set up another mangrove park near the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) building.
He also praised the Sindh Forest Department for setting a Guinness World Record by planting the highest number of mangrove trees and urged other agencies, including Port Qasim, Malir Development Authority, and KPT, to take similar steps in their areas.
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The mayor expressed concern over hurdles in Karachi’s development, saying, “Whenever we try to take steps for the city’s betterment, obstacles are deliberately created. But we will not back down.” He called on civil society, media, and the corporate sector to share ideas and work together for a greener and more modern Karachi.
Referring to Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim, one of Karachi’s largest parks, Wahab said it was underutilised despite its size of 130 acres. “It barely receives 130 visitors a day. Why do citizens prefer private clubs over public parks?” he questioned, stressing the need to improve public parks to attract families and youth.
Highlighting key infrastructure projects to reduce marine pollution, Wahab said two sewage treatment plants were under construction. One plant at Haroonabad has a capacity of 100 million gallons per day (MGD) and will initially treat 35 MGD, while another plant at Mauripur (TP-3) has a capacity of 54 MGD. Both facilities are expected to be operational by the end of the year.
“These plants will treat wastewater before releasing it into the sea, protecting marine life and reducing coastal pollution,” he said. A fourth plant is also planned for Ibrahim Hyderi to serve residential and industrial areas of Korangi and nearby localities.
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The mayor also announced a second mangrove biodiversity park near Native Jetty in Keamari, calling it another step towards eco-friendly urban development. He condemned the cutting down of trees for profit, terming it “highly deplorable.”
Responding to political criticism, Wahab said, “Those who jump from one press conference to another blaming the mayor for stalled development are only trying to hide their own failures.” He urged the media to avoid spreading baseless accusations.
Wahab warned that unless all stakeholders worked together, Karachi’s progress would continue to be obstructed by political infighting and a lack of coordination.
