KARACHI: President of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Johar Qandhari, has called
on local and district administrations to implement a coordinated strategy to handle the anticipated
monsoon rains effectively. Highlighting the Meteorological Department’s forecast, Qandhari emphasized
the need for immediate action to establish drainage and sanitation measures, as well as to activate
Monsoon Emergency Relief Camps at both city and district levels.
Qandhari urged authorities to expedite the cleaning of all drains and sewage lines to prevent water
accumulation during heavy rains. He pointed out the inadequacy of Karachi’s current drainage system,
which struggles to manage rainfall, causing significant disruption in the country’s largest industrial and
commercial hub.
To mitigate the impact of monsoon rains, Qandhari suggested mapping low-lying areas, particularly in
Korangi, and enhancing the capacity of the drainage system. He stressed the need for uniform road
designs to facilitate efficient rainwater drainage into the sewer system. Furthermore, he called on the
district administration to complete all precautionary and necessary arrangements for drainage swiftly
and ensure inter-agency cooperation for effective disaster management.
Qandhari highlighted the challenges faced by the Korangi industrial area during heavy rains, particularly
the traffic congestion caused by high water levels in the Malir River, which blocks traffic at the Korangi
crossing and causeway. This diversion puts immense pressure on the Jam Sadiq Bridge, often resulting in
severe traffic jams.
To address these issues, Qandhari recommended that the provincial administration provide dewatering
machines to all districts to clear choke points in the drainage system. He stressed the importance of
coordinated efforts among various departments and institutions, including continuous monitoring and
timely availability of necessary equipment and supplies.
Additionally, Qandhari called for ensuring the presence of alternative routes, machinery, and traffic
personnel at critical locations to maintain uninterrupted traffic flow during and after the rains. He
assured that KATI stands ready to support the district administration and police officials in managing the
situation effectively.
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