Residents of Clifton and Defence, along with Jamaat-e-Islami, plan to approach the Sindh High Court on Friday over concerns about the Nehr-e-Khayyam project, with nearly 80% of construction reportedly complete.
The petition will seek protection of the canal’s natural waterway and proper drainage arrangements to prevent urban flooding during heavy rainfall.
Residents fear that concrete structures and changes to the canal’s natural width could restrict rainwater and tidal water flows, putting nearby homes at risk of flooding.
They have also questioned the project’s environmental approvals after the Local Government Department sought guidance from the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) on October 26, despite construction already being well underway.
Rasha Tariq of the Clifton Residents Committee said workers continued construction around the clock. She also claimed that three drains built along the canal could worsen flooding, pointing to homes that flooded last year after one of the drains was constructed.
Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi Deputy Chief Saifuddin Advocate said the government sought an environmental impact assessment only after residents protested. He maintained that authorities should have prepared the mandatory assessment before approving the project and starting construction.
Via: Express Tribune
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