Friday
March 29, 2024
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Lahore
EditorialWhen rain wreaks havoc

When rain wreaks havoc

The monsoon season has become a hassle for people living in Pakistan. Poor governance and aeons old infrastructure has led to the destruction of cities like Karachi. Currently, the city of lights is knee-deep in water, making it difficult for people to live with ease. Not only is the downtown area submerged in water, but also posh residential areas such as DHA Karachi. On Sunday more than 60 millimetres of rain fell in Karachi which is usually the amount of rain in a whole month.

Environmental degradation and climate change can be held responsible for the excessive amount of rainfall. The monsoon season used to be a breath of fresh air for Pakistan, however, now the infrastructure cannot sustain this amount of rainfall. The clearing of trees to make residential and business centres has not only had a negative impact on the environment but also on the overall economic situation of the city. Although at first, such investments seem attractive and they are profitable, however, without proper sewage systems the projects eventually result in losses. In the long run, the environment is destroyed, which aids in climate change which is responsible for the unholy amount of rain and then the city is submerged in the water putting a halt to all activities.

Due to the excessive rainfall and poor infrastructure and sewage system, many cities like Karachi are facing destruction. The rainfall has not only destroyed infrastructure, but it has also become an obstacle for businesses. People cannot go to work and shops have to be closed down. The result is a slowing down of economic activity. A city like Karachi which is a hub of economic activity cannot afford such damages. Without Karachi, the country as a whole also loses out on much.

Moreover, the rainfall and poor governance have resulted in many losing their lives. In the last 24 hours only, five deaths have been reported due to electrocution. There are live wires in the submerged streets and nothing is being done by the Sindh government to take care of this problem. Residents living near the Malir river had to evacuate due to excessive flooding and the government has only issued a notice of regret for the lost lives and given a public holiday in the districts of Karachi and Hyderabad.

Cities all over Pakistan have experienced rainfall during the monsoon season. Lahore witnessed quite a lot of rainfall and some areas of the city faced issues such as Karachi as well. However, the Punjab government has worked hard and developed state-of-the-art infrastructure and sewage systems so that the water level does not rise to an extent that it makes it impossible for people to commute from place to place and continue their lives as they are. There is some disparity between the posh areas and the other areas, but overall rainfall has not completely put a halt to all activities.

During this season, people will have to endure the consequences of poor governance and excessive rainfall. However, by the next monsoon season, the government will have to step up and fix all the problems that lead to urban flooding. Moreover, it is high time that the reality of climate change is accepted and incorporated into policies. Town planning agencies must consider climate change and its effects before starting new projects or fixing old ones. Planning ahead will save lives and the economy.

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