HYDERABAD: Hyderabad’s business community has called on the Sindh government to halt construction of housing schemes and industrial zones along officially declared waterways, canals, and storm drains, citing the growing risks to urban infrastructure and public safety. In a letter to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Trade and Small Industry (HCSTSI) stressed that unregulated construction and encroachments have had destructive consequences for cities like Karachi, Hyderabad, and other parts of the province. HCSTSI president Muhammad Saleem Memon underlined that the issue directly impacts urban planning, disaster management, flood prevention, environmental sustainability, and the safety of residents, making it essential for authorities to act swiftly and with data-driven strategies.
Memon highlighted the catastrophic effects of the 2022 monsoon rains, which inflicted losses of hundreds of billions of rupees in Sindh’s major urban centers. He proposed that the provincial government launch comprehensive digital surveys — including GPS, GIS, and topographical mapping — of the Indus River from its entry point in Sindh to the zero point at the Arabian Sea. This, he said, should also encompass canals, distributaries, and both natural and man-made storm drains. By adopting such technology-driven approaches, authorities can generate accurate data to identify encroachments, design preventive infrastructure, and publish the findings for public access online and in the gazette, ensuring transparency and accountability.
According to Memon, studies suggest that 20 to 30 per cent of rain or flood-related losses in Sindh are attributed to encroachments and diversions on natural waterways. He urged that regulatory arms such as the Sindh Building Control Authority, local development authorities, municipal bodies, and the irrigation department be directed to enforce the survey results and prevent further illegal developments. The chamber also pointed out that diversions in natural drains in the Hyderabad SITE area have caused massive financial losses to industry, disrupting operations and damaging facilities due to water overflow and poor drainage. Using digital mapping and monitoring tools could enable real-time oversight of such critical areas, helping industrial zones plan better and protect their assets.
The chamber further demanded an immediate halt to mining activity in mountain ranges, especially the Khirthar Range, which it said has contributed to urban flooding in Karachi and surrounding areas. This call ties into a larger push for policymaking in climate resilience and the adoption of technology for sustainable urban management. With erratic weather patterns and above-normal rainfall becoming increasingly common due to climate change, digital solutions like remote sensing, AI-based flood prediction, and geospatial mapping can offer actionable insights to reduce future losses. The business community emphasized that integrating these tools into government planning will not only improve environmental outcomes but also safeguard economic activity across Sindh.
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