KARACHI: The coastal belt of Lath Basti is facing an environmental catastrophe as untreated waste from approximately 1,600 cattle pens in Bhains Colony is being dumped directly into the sea. This unabated pollution is not only destroying the marine ecosystem but also threatening the health and livelihoods of local fishing communities.
A Toxic Mix of Waste
According to local fishermen, thousands of tons of animal dung are released into the ocean daily without any treatment. The situation is further exacerbated by the presence of hazardous medical waste, including empty injection vials, used syringes, and chemical residue from hormones used on cattle. The impact of this pollution has spread beyond Lath Basti, affecting neighboring coastal areas such as Chashma Goth, Ibrahim Hyderi, and Rehri Goth.
Vanishing Livelihoods and Health Hazards
Local elders and social leaders, including Sardar Aziz Dawood Jat and Ghulam Mustafa Jat, highlighted the stark contrast between the past and present. Two decades ago, the waters of Lath Basti were crystal clear, providing an abundance of fish right at the shoreline. Today, fishermen must travel miles into the deep sea to find any catch. The health risks are equally alarming; fishermen frequently come into contact with contaminated water and medical debris, leading to a rise in skin diseases and fears of a Hepatitis outbreak within the community.
Calls for Immediate Government Action
Mehran Ali Shah, Chairman of the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF), expressed grave concern over the situation, stating that while oceans are treated as assets globally, they are being used as a dustbin here. Adding to this, Kamal Shah, President of the Coastal Media Center, emphasized that the current crisis is the result of flawed drainage policies. He urged the Sindh Government and the Ibrahim Hyderi Town administration to seal illegal sewage lines, establish an effective waste management system for Bhains Colony, and initiate a cleanup drive to restore the coastal ecosystem. Experts warn that without immediate intervention, the damage to the marine ecosystem will become irreversible.
