Mangrove cutting for land reclamation at Karachi's Korangi Creek threatens environment

An unauthorized embankment has been built inside a mangrove forest in Korangi Creek, disrupting the natural water flow and depriving the mangroves on one side of the creek of vital water supply. As the mangroves wither and die, they are subsequently felled by those involved in this illegal reclamation for land acquisition. The Sindh Forest Department (SFD) acknowledges the illegal activity on its land, yet claims the police have declined to take action, citing the land's allocation by the Board of Revenue and the matter being under legal review.

A visit to the Korangi Creek area by a news outlet revealed ongoing mangrove cutting and land reclamation near the Mangrove Biodiversity Park, inaugurated by Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab in September last year. Enclosed land near the park features a bund restricting water flow, with mangroves already cut and water visible in the standing water.

Some parts of the bund have walls, and debris has been laid over open areas, effectively encasing the space. The SFD was informed of the situation and confirmed the land belongs to them, stating they have taken action against similar incidents previously. However, the matter was contested in court, preventing further police intervention.

The practice has been ongoing for months, with bunds used to impede water access to mangroves, leading to their eventual demise as locals or encroachers cut them for firewood. Experts warn that continued mangrove loss would make Karachi's coastal areas more susceptible to natural disasters like tsunamis and hurricanes, as mangroves act as natural barriers.