Construction of the Malir Expressway in Karachi, Pakistan, poses a threat to the city’s largest green space, contributing to the risk of floods and extreme heat. The expressway, currently being built on the floodplain of the Malir River, will connect new urban communities to established residential areas. However, the project comes at a cost to the environment and the city’s residents.
One major concern is the destruction of Karachi’s green space. With only a few small parks in the city, the Malir area, spanning from Korangi Crossing to Shah Faisal Bridge, covers 4,300 acres of vital greenery. Unfortunately, the construction of the expressway will result in the conversion of these areas into commercial developments, leading to the permanent loss of important green spaces.
The destruction of green spaces presents significant challenges, including the exacerbation of extreme heat. Karachi already experienced a severe heatwave in 2015, with the city’s technical report attributing the intensity of the heat to the “urban heat island effect.” This phenomenon occurs when urban areas retain more heat due to built surfaces and the absence of vegetation. The construction of the Malir Expressway will undoubtedly lead to further urbanization, intensifying the urban heat island effect.
Apart from increasing the risk of extreme heat, the expressway could worsen flooding in Karachi. The Malir River is a significant cause of urban flooding in the city, and climate change is expected to result in more frequent heavy rainfall. Building the expressway on the river’s floodplain will obstruct the natural flow of rainwater, reducing the river’s capacity to carry it away. Despite plans to construct drainage channels and culverts, experts argue that these measures may not be sufficient to prevent catastrophic consequences.
Unfortunately, this issue is not limited to Karachi alone; it reflects a broader problem in South Asia. Poor urban planning and inadequate consideration for environmental impacts have been observed in various cities across the region. For instance, the devastating floods in Bengaluru, India, in 2022 were largely attributed to poor urban planning and infrastructure.
It is also worth noting the legal irregularities and the dismissal of locals’ concerns surrounding the Malir Expressway project. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, which should have been reviewed with public participation, was approved without considering objections raised by concerned citizens, environmental experts, and local farmers. The displacement of indigenous tribes and the lack of a Land Acquisition and Resettlement Policy further highlight the disregard for legal requirements and the rights of local communities.
Overall, the construction of the Malir Expressway in Karachi raises significant environmental and social concerns. The destruction of green spaces and disruption of natural waterways will contribute to the worsening risk of floods and extreme heat. It is crucial for authorities to consider sustainable alternatives and prioritize the preservation of green spaces and the well-being of local communities.