RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: The University of Karachi (KU) has become the first varsity of Sindh which has imposed complete ban on using plastic bags within the KU campus premises. It was also among those few who have welcomed and implemented the Sindh govt’s initiative to stop using plastic bags.

By reducing the use of plastic bags and growing trees in large numbers, we can play a very vital role in minimizing the environmental hazards. The government cannot bring changes alone, it always needed public support to successfully run and implement its drive. These views were expressed by Sindh Adviser to Chief Minister on Law, Environment and Coastal Development, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, on Wednesday.

He was speaking as the chief guest at a seminar ‘Environmental Awareness and Plantation Drive 2019’ held at the KU Business Administration’s Auditorium. The seminar was organised to create awareness regarding Karachi’s environmental issues and what would be the role of masses to make environment clean and green.

Barrister Murtaza Wahab shared that during recent heavy rainfall he had witnessed that sewerage lines were unable to clear the rainwater as most of them were filled with pile of plastic bags and solid waste material due to which whole drainage system was chocked.

“Public after using plastic bags carelessly throw it away and later it become problem for the governments and other concerned departments and agencies. We have to create awareness among masses that they should not use plastic bags anymore and put their garbage in the dumping centres,” Murtaza said.

The KU Vice Chancellor Prof Khalid Iraqi said, “Karachi University is committed for a better environmental future of the country. This University is a history setter and now we have set a history by following the right roadmap and setting healthy traditions in the campus.”

The VC added that the University of Karachi is developing linkages in the field of environment and working on installing pollution control technology through consultation and technical guidance in the campus.

He mentioned that trees and plants are the prime source of environmental purification and beautification, and play an essential role on a grand scale as well as local level.

Earlier, Prof Dr Moazzam Ali Khan, through his presentation highlighted Karachi’s civic problems. He informed the audience that 75 percent of total solid waste collected from various parts of the city could be recycled and reused and there is no harm is using those recycled items.