An unabated debate is going on in the media on "DHA's Waterfront Development Project" for sometimes. This is more academic in nature than a realistic preview of the subject. The semblance of any infrastructure development of the project is yet to be seen on the ground.
The project, however, is vehemently being opposed by certain NGOs and urban planners on the pretext of assumed apprehensions, which need to be evaluated before embarking on an emotionally charged campaign against the project.
It is surprising that the real issues facing the community and environment are conveniently being ignored; instead non-issues on the basis of assumptions are discussed again and again typical of 'beating about the bush'. The real issue facing the residents of DHA is shortage of water. To address this DHA is putting up a water desalination plant.
DHA has been insisting through its various press statements time and again that the purported beach development project was formalised after due consideration of multifaceted aspects. According to DHA value addition of beachfront is inherent in the master plan and no beach access would be denied to the visitors.
DHA also claims to have got the clearance of the cogeneration project from the relevant environmental agencies, including environmental assessment and study of marine hydraulics by the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO).
DHA has been claiming that it wants to exploit the real potential of the beach by offering clean seawater, free open spaces, beach resorts, lights, decent sitting areas, boardwalks, jogging tracks, amphitheatres, developed sand beaches, public utility facilities and all kinds of recreational and water sports activities to the public.
The authenticity of the claim needs to be verified through in-depth examination of the master plan by the NGOs and other stakeholders. The real threat to the beachfront emanates from hundreds of tons of untreated sewerage water falling into the sea and polluting it beyond imagination. This includes the sewer of entire metropolis, including the hazardous discharge of effluent from tanneries and Korangi Industrial Area.
There is a dire need for making the sewerage treatment plants functional. However, with an independent sewerage treatment plant in every zone of the WFD Project, DHA claims that it would be ensured that no raw sewer is pumped into the sea.
There is no use agitating about a problem endlessly without understanding the real issue. Being concerned citizens only genuine issues should be raised for betterment and progress with a positive approach. The exercise should be undertaken with due diligence and research and not on assumption and speculations. DHA must address the genuine concerns of the concerned bodies if required.
The project is an iconic which when executed would give a tremendous boost to the economic activity providing employment opportunities and making our development at par with the modern countries. Let us not deprive the people of Karachi with the precious gift of a developed beach.
(The writer is President Defence Residents Society)