In pictures: Karachi's garbage problem

Dunya News

With landfill sites located in the coastal city's outskirts already overflowing, the garbage strewn in the streets is piling higher every day. Photo: AFP

(Web Desk) - Karachi, a megacity with a population of at least 20 million produces roughly 12,000 tons of trash daily, according to AFP. While municipal authorities are able to remove about half, the rest is strewn in the streets and alleys piling higher every day.

With the only two landfill sites located in the coastal city’s outskirts already overflowing, many believe that it is the political wrangling and finger-pointing that with the passage of time is making recycling solutions harder to grasp.

“This city has been turned into a huge rubbish bin,” says Karachi’s former mayor Mustafa Kamal, while current mayor Waseem Akhtar complains of having ‘no money and no power’, blaming to have been left powerless by the by the provincial government.


A view of mud and sewerage water accumulated on the main road of Ranchor Line causing inconvenience for the motorists which requires attention of the authorities concerned. Photo: OINN


A view of garbage at beech. Environmental pollution has emerged as the most serious threat to marine life in Pakistani waters since it has been adversely affecting marine turtles, sea birds and other water species. Photo: OINN


A view of garbage on the main road in Mehmoodabad area, causing inconvenience for both motorists and pedestrians which requires attention of the authorities concerned. Photo: OINN


A view of garbage spreading on Azizabad road creating problems for commuters. Garbage and sewage crisis are amongst the many tragedies that have afflicted Karachi over decades. In some areas situation is even worst, like sewage water enters homes, which gives rise to many harmful diseases. Photo: OINN


A view of garbage spreading on the roadside in Board Office area creates problems for commuters. As the government has locked horns over power and funds for removal of garbage, situation of cleanliness in the metropolis is turning worsen with addition of tonnes of solid waste every day in the existing backlog of 1.1 million tonnes. Photo: OINN


A dispirited view of Garden Headquarters road creating problems for commuters. Photo: OINN