Residents of Karachi’s Clifton and Defence areas plan to challenge the ongoing Nehr-e-Khayyam project in the Sindh High Court.
The residents, supported by Jamaat-e-Islami, have raised concerns about possible flooding and changes to the canal’s natural waterway.
According to reports, nearly 80% of construction work on the project has already been completed.
The petition is expected to be filed on Friday, seeking protection of the canal’s natural drainage system.
Residents believe the construction could affect rainwater drainage and increase flooding risks during heavy rainfall.
Karachi Resident Groups Raise Flooding Concerns
A Karachi Resident group has expressed concerns about concrete structures being built along the Nehr-e-Khayyam canal.
Residents fear that changes to the canal’s natural width could restrict the movement of rainwater and tidal water.
They believe these changes may increase flooding risks for nearby residential areas.
The petition will seek proper drainage arrangements to protect surrounding neighborhoods during heavy rainfall.
Residents have also questioned whether the project received the necessary environmental approvals before construction began.
Their concerns focus on the potential impact of construction on the canal’s existing drainage capacity.
Environmental Approval Process Questioned
According to reports, the Sindh Local Government Department contacted the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) on October 26.
The department reportedly requested guidance regarding environmental requirements for the project.
However, residents questioned the timing because construction was already at an advanced stage.
They believe environmental assessments should have been completed before major construction activities started.
Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi Deputy Chief Saifuddin Advocate also raised concerns about the approval process.
He claimed that authorities sought an environmental impact assessment only after residents began protesting.
According to Saifuddin, the assessment should have been prepared before the project’s approval and construction.
Clifton Residents Committee Highlights Drainage Issues
Rasha Tariq, representing the Clifton Residents Committee, said construction activities were continuing throughout the day and night.
She also expressed concerns about three drains constructed along the canal.
According to Tariq, these drainage structures could create additional flooding problems for nearby homes.
She referred to flooding incidents last year, claiming some houses were affected after one drain was constructed.
Residents want authorities to ensure that the canal can handle rainwater during periods of heavy rainfall.
They have also requested measures to protect residential properties from possible water accumulation.
Legal Challenge Expected in Sindh High Court
The Karachi Resident groups and Jamaat-e-Islami are preparing to approach the Sindh High Court over these concerns.
Their petition will focus on protecting the natural waterway and ensuring suitable drainage arrangements.
The legal challenge comes as construction work on the Nehr-e-Khayyam project reportedly approaches completion.
Residents are seeking judicial intervention to address their concerns about flooding and environmental requirements.
However, the available reports do not include a detailed response from project authorities regarding these allegations.
The matter is expected to receive further attention once the petition is submitted to the court.
In other news read more about Karachi Court Sentences Police Official To Death in Murder Case
The case highlights ongoing concerns about drainage infrastructure and flood protection in Karachi’s residential areas.
