KARACHI: In anticipation of the upcoming monsoon season, Commissioner Karachi, Syed Hassan Naqvi, chaired a high-level meeting to review emergency preparedness and mitigation plans for the metropolis. The primary objective of the session was to ensure the swift completion of drain cleaning operations across the city to prevent urban flooding and guarantee unobstructed drainage during heavy downpours. The meeting saw active participation from all Deputy Commissioners, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), Solid Waste Management Board, Town Municipal Administrations (TMAs), Cantonment Boards, PDMA, and K-Electric.
During the briefing, officials informed the Commissioner that all relevant departments are on high alert, with dewatering pumps, heavy machinery, and field staff already deployed at strategic locations. The Municipal Commissioner of KMC highlighted that desilting operations for 45 major stormwater drains commenced in June, while the clearance of 550 smaller drains under the administration of TMAs is also being expedited for timely completion. To ensure smooth progress, Commissioner Naqvi directed all Deputy Commissioners to personally inspect the sites and immediately resolve any operational bottlenecks on the ground.
Addressing civic challenges, the Commissioner took strict notice of public waste dumping into the drains, ordering the Solid Waste Management Board and local bodies to implement effective counter-measures through mutual coordination. Furthermore, the meeting finalized a comprehensive strategy to manage water accumulation in low-lying areas, underpasses, and streets. As part of public safety measures, K-Electric was strictly directed to take integrated and robust steps to eliminate electrocution hazards, ensuring a safe environment for citizens during the rainy spell.
