CITIZENS FOR A BETTER ENVIRONMENT Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, its the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead JULY - DECEMBER 2020
Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Quaid-e-Azam also said in this is continuation of our transport Jinnah's speech of 11th August speech in Karachi that "it is our study which we conducted in 1947, as the founder of Pakistan, responsibility to not allow 2017-2018 and during this and as the newly elected compromise on the dignity of project we realized how President of its Constituent the minorities". marginalized women of Assembly, stipulated the minority sects were. following: Keeping this in mind, Shehri- Citizens for a Better INSIDE "You are free; you are free to Environment, with the support The Drowned City P-08 go to your temples, you are free of Friedrich Naumann Planting a Tree P-10 to go to your mosques, or to Foundation, conducted Sustainable Agriculture P-14 any other places of worship in workshops with training and Sindh Government .... P-15 this state of Pakistan. You may seminars for "Improving Gender Violations of Buildings .... P-17 belong to any religion, caste Empowerment through Successful Plantation .... P-24 or creed: that has nothing to inclusive Urban Governance" Sindh Government .... P-26 do with the business of the with Christian and Hindu state". communities, this programme Ministry of Climate .... P-27 SHEHRI-CBE JULY - DECEMBER 2020
The objectives were: 7. 26th September 2020 at SHEHRI - CBE 88-R, Block 2, P.E.C.H.S, 1. Education and capacity Indus Hotel, Hyderabad Karachi 75400 Pakistan. building of women in 8. 10th October 2020 at Indus Tel/Fax: +92-21-34 53 06 46 religious minorities, with an Hotel, Hyderabad E-mail: [email protected] URL: www.shehri.org aim to enable them to better 9. 22nd October 2020 at www.facebook.com/shehri.citizens address violations of their Calvery Church, Pahar Twitter: @ShehriCBE human and fundamental Gunj, Karachi EDITORIAL rights, including gender 10. 24th October 2020 at Indus Shehri-CBE Team MANAGING COMMITTEE based legal protections by Hotel, Hyderabad Chairperson: seeking timely access to 11. 31st October 2020 at Village Sameer Hamid Dodhy institutions of prosecution Abdin Farm, Mirpurkhas. Vice Chairperson: and justice, and enshrined 12. 1st November 2020 at The Saleka Enver General Secretary: fundamental rights. New Revival Church, Amber Alibhai 2. Influencing policy making Azizabad, Karachi Treasurer: bodies for empowering 13. 7th November 2020 at Indus Amra Javed religious minorities/women, Hotel, Hyderabad Members: Danish Azar Zuby by strengthening laws and 14. 8th November 2020 at New Mohammad Ali Rasheed institutional systems for Revival Church, Khuda-ki- Engr. Parvez Sadiq enabling access to all Basti, Karachi SHEHRI STAFF fundamental rights. This 15. 10th November 2020 at Coordinator: Sarwar Khalid also includes property Marriott Hotel, Karachi Assistant Coordinator: rights! 16. 13th November 2020 at Mohammad Rehan Ashraf Indus Hotel, Hyderabad Accounts Consultant: With these objectives in view, 17. 17th November 2020 at Irfan Shah Office Assistant: SHEHRI-CBE, conducted a Shanti Nagar Village, Mohammad Tahir number of workshops TandoAllahyar Office Boy: (awareness sessions) in 18. 28th November 2020 at Khursheed Ahmed Karachi, Hyderabad, Abdul Aziz Farm Village, SHEHRI Founding Members 1. Mr. Kalid Nadvi (Economist) Mirpurkhas and Tando Mirpurkhas 2. Barrister Qazi Faez Isa Allahyar. These sessions were 3. Ms. Humaira Rehman (Architect) held on the following dates and These workshops / sessions 4. Mr. Danish Azar Zuby (Architect) venues in 2020: were moderated by Zahid 5. Mr. Navaid Husain (Architect) 6. Barrister Zain Sheikh Farooq in Karachi, Mr. Ross 7. Dr. Kaiser Bengali (Economist) 1. 19th July 2020 at St. John Mahtani in Hyderabad and Mr. CONTRIBUTIONS ARE WELCOME Church, Landhi No. 2, Karachi Shahzado Malick in Mirpurkhas Please contact the SHEHRI office 2. 25th July 2020 at PVDP / Tando Allahyar. for writers guidelines. Conference Hall, Mirpurkhas Views expressed herein do not necessarily express the views 3. 12th August 2020 at Baptist Following resource persons of the Editor/Editorial Board. Church, Pahar Gunj, Karachi were invited as speakers in the PRODUCTION: 4. 15th August 2020 at Bhell sessions Saudagar Enterprises Colony, Mirpurkhas 1. Advocate Tabassum Yousuf Web: www.saudagar.com.pk 5. 12th September 2020 at (Karachi) Ph: 021-34152970, 0333-2276331 Indus Hotel, Hyderabad 2. Prof. Dr. Nuzhat Williams SHEHRI-CBE Acknowledges the support of the 6. 23rd September 2020 at (Karachi) Friedrich-Nauman Foundation For Freedom Calvery Church, Pahar 3. MPA Anthony Naveed for the printing of this newsletter Gunj, Karachi (Karachi) 02 JULY - DECEMBER 2020 SHEHRI-CBE
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4. MPA Mangla Sharma (Karachi) "Women police stations are established with the 5. Father Iqbal Daniel (Karachi) 6. Advocate M. Parkash objective of providing relief for those women victims Mahtani (Hyderabad) who are reluctant to approach male police stations to 7. Prof. Dr. Aijaz Ali Wassan, lodge their complaints". Sindh University Jamshoro (Hyderabad) Mr. Naeem Ahmed Shaikh 8. Mr. Veer Jee Kohli, Special DIG Police Hyderabad Region Assistant to CM Sindh (Hyderabad) information from government stopped. 9. Mr. Naeem Ahmed Shaikh, departments. 2. Government should form a DIG Hyderabad committee to look into 10.Mr. Ibrahim Arbab, Moderators/speakers gave forced conversion. Assistant Commissioner PowerPoint presentation on 3. Government takes (City), Hyderabad available legislative immediate action whenever 11. Ms. Qandeel Fatima Memon, instruments, institutional Muslim girls or boys are Assistant Commissioner mechanisms and civil society forced to convert from their (Rural), Hyderabad facilitation options seeking religion but they remain 12. Mr. Shabir Jan Jiskani, appropriate redress on matters indifferent when Christians Assistant Commissioner related to human rights, or Hindu children are (Staff), Hyderabad gender, religious minority converted. 13. Mohammad Bux Kapri, Civil rights, laws of inheritance, land 4. Minorities are not given Society Activist, Mirpurkhas and property, and also for equal number of holidays 14. Mohammad Rafiq Leghari, prevention of discrimination and other facilities during Chairman Union Council, based on customary/traditional their festivals. Mirpurkhas and informal practices. 5. Job quota for minorities is not properly implemented. In all these sessions, our OBSERVATIONS speakers and moderators spoke It was emphasized by all the "Sindh Government has about the importance of Article speakers that the "Right to enacted various women 19-A of the Constitution: "Right Information" was one of the pro laws such as the to Information (RTI)", which basic steps towards empowers a citizen to get empowering people's rights, Child Marriage Restraint and they can take part in the Act, The Domestic "Laws of inheritance government of his country, Violence (Prevention & applicable to Christians are directly or indirectly or through Protection Act), 2013 and the same for both genders. freely chosen representatives. If a husband dies intestate The Protection against i.e. without making a will The participants of these Harassment of Women at then wife inherits 1/3 share workshops were either Workplace Act, Sindh and the remaining 2/3 is equally distributed between Christians or Hindus. Most of Hindu Marriage Act sons and daughters them enunciated following (Amendment) 2018". according to the Christian points. law of Inheritance 1925". Veerji Kohli 1. Forced conversion from Special Assistant to CM Sindh Advocate Tabassum Yousuf their religion should be 04 JULY - DECEMBER 2020 SHEHRI-CBE
6. Minorities must be provided 2. No inheritance share is "We often see that a girl equal rights in the society. given to females in the 7. Educational institutions is not given proper family. should not force Christians education because she 3. Women are not given proper and Hindus to study is going to go to another education and awareness Islamiaat. regarding their rights. 8. There should be no gender family and a boy is 4. Inheritance laws should be discrimination. educated because he will allowed and land and 9. No due respect is given to bring Income to the property rights be given females working in offices. family. Its horrible accordingly 10. There should be women police for domestic violence Mindset of people need Constitution of Pakistan (We noted that there are to change that a girl is provides equal rights to Police Stations in Karachi not a burden". religious minorities. All where all the staff are citizens are equal before women). Prof. Dr. Nuzhat Williams law. There is no About their own community doing well in school she is discrimination on ground 1. In Christian and Hindu not allowed to go beyond of religion, caste, creed, community priority is always class 7 on one pretext or sex or place of birth. given to male members of another. Either it is transport the family in obtaining to the schools, marriage or Zahid Farooq education. Even if a girl is work at home etc.
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CONCLUSION: therefore are vulnerable to a In the village of Bhell in "Education is the key range of abuses: including Mirpurkhas, there are 200 houses factor for women forced conversion, forced of Hindu families. SHEHRI'S main empowerment, marriage and sexual violence. aim was to give them a sense of prosperity, development their rights. Sadly, it was heart- Although heavy fines and wrenching to see their plight. & welfare". punishments exist, laws on They did not even have basic Child Marriage (Early Marriage) facilities of water and sewerage Qandeel Fatima Memon have little impact as they are to survive. They were Assistant Commissioner not well enforced", says Zahid uneducated and living much Rural Hyderabad Farooq below the poverty line. 50 women participants were invited A practicing lawyer was also The "Protection against from the Bhell village. invited to the seminar who Harassment of Women at reiterated that the laws of Workplace Act" makes sexual Pakistan's most religiously inheritance applicable to harassment of women in diverse society is the province Christians are the same for both workplace and in public places of Sindh with 8% religious genders. If a husband dies a criminal offense. minority population- intestate i.e. without making a predominantly Hindus and will then wife inherits 1/3 share "Sindh Child Marriages some Christians. and the remaining 2/3 is equally Restraint Act prohibits distributed between sons and the underage marriage The "Sindh Hindu Marriage Act daughters according to the 2018" law and "Minority Rights Christian law of Inheritance but it is violated in many Commission" passed by Sindh 1925. cases". Assembly outlaws forced conversions and also protects Minorities face multiple forms Advocate M. Parkash Hindus. of discrimination and Concluding: it is noted that the participants of both group were:
1. Able to understand their importance and role in society
2. Able to get information about their rights in the family, in society and in the country
3. Able to understand the issues in their daily life
4. Able to appreciate that they are part of the society, and that they have rights
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SHEHRI-CBE JULY - DECEMBER 2020
THE DROWNED CITY SAMEER HAMID DODHY, SHEHRI-CBE Let the rain kiss you. Let the times elevated roads make it mangroves and constricting the rain beat upon your head with impossible for the drainage of outfall. silver liquid drops. Let the rain the water. sing you a lullaby. (Langston The late Parveen Rahman Hughes) However what is often (Director of the Orangi Pilot overlooked is that the Project who was murdered by Unfortunately for the citizens destruction in Karachi is caused the land mafia in 2013) stated of Karachi, rain is a disaster by the greed of the rich and the that the Mai Kolachi Bypass that drowns the entire city. powerful. can be converted into a low bridge which would ensure Currently the National Disaster Karachi has three main that the water would not be Management Authority has drainage outfalls that carry the blocked in Saddar or on I.I. been called in to clear the city's sewerage and rain water Chundrigar Road and would drains, which is essential. into the sea. They have been also save the mangroves. However the truth is that this choked or narrowed over the However this proposal was action is like giving aspirin to years either to make room for never seriously considered as a cancer patient. The pain construction or to reclaim land. 'reclaimed land' by the KPT lessens for a little while but the next to the bypass will have fundamental issues remains the The three drainage outfalls are to be surrendered to the sea. same. Lyari river, Malir river and How can billions of potential Kolachi Bypass. profit be sacrificed? There has been a great deal of breast beating and finger The Kolachi Bypass, which A picture is worth a thousand pointing regarding the causes receives the Soldier Bazar and words and here are Google for the flooding in Karachi. The the City Railway drains, has Earth Pro images of the Mai drains are not cleaned properly. been reduced from the original Kolachi from 1984, 1994, 2004 There are encroachments on 300 feet to 30 feet. KPT did so and 2020. The images clearly the drains. Construction is to reclaim land for commercial show the blockage of the made without planning and at purposes while destroying the outfall.
1984 1994
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2004 2020 Anyone with a computer and when it starts from identified many years ago but internet connection can access Mehmoodabad. It shrinks to whenever there is flooding the these images by putting in just 24 feet by the time it blame game starts but their Google satellite coordinates reaches sea through Phase 8 of root causes remain - which is 24.832457, 67.016292 Defence." that very rich and powerful people are encroaching on the The Lyari river has been Arif Hasan stated on the status drainage of Karachi. narrowed by the construction of Gizri Creek at Phase 7 of the Lyari Expressway that Defence Housing Authority Soon the monsoons will recede has reduced the river to one (DHA), "All that we are left with and things will get back to third its width. is approximately an 80 feet normal with further land nallah. When there is high tide, grabbing until the next time The Malir river has been choked or rain, the water cannot get the city is flooded. by the Defence Housing out. The result is that it gets Authority. Land reclamation has choked." Poor Karachi! Once it was the also constricted the outlet to Paris of the East and today it the sea at Gizri Creek. It is said that the sign of is a city waiting to die. Stained insanity is to do the same thing with the blood of martyrs like In 2009, Masood Alam, over and over again and to Parveen Rahman who warned Executive District Officer expect the different results. the city of the dangers it faced Municipal Services of the city Going by that standard we in and ignored by the elites government, stated "Manzoor Karachi are truly insane whose eternal greed will kill Colony Drain is 200 feet wide because the problems were the city. OBITUARY The Management and Members of Shehri-Citizens for a Better Environment offer their condolences to the family of late DSP (R) Jahan Khan Bhatti. Mr. Bhatti was associated with Shehri-CBE from 2008 to 2013 as a coordinator for the project National Project for Participatory Citizen-Police Interaction & Training for Improved Policing of Human Rights Violations & Advocating Police Policy Reforms and we greatly benefitted from his wisdom and active facilitation in our work. May Allah rest his soul in peace. Ameen. Shehri-Citizens for a Better Environment
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PLANTING A TREE MALIHA AMANAT A tree is a part of an intricate natural ecosystem. It is absolutely important and crucial element of the natural environment. Because it provides unique and a wide range of ecological services which other ecosystem elements could not offer.
A tree absorbs most of the greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases are very harmful for us but trees use them as fuel.
A tree cools temperature by shading and a natural process called evapotranspiration.
A tree provides resources like timber, rubber, edibles, etc.
A tree offers ample recreational opportunities and psychological benefits.
Trees are habitat for the birds, insects, etc.
In the context of Karachi, trees at first place are overlooked; for example, trees are cut or pruned during construction works and are used in placing advertisements. In the second place, trees are planted incorrectly due to a lack of awareness about tree plantation or without consulting an arborist. Lastly, in third place, the tree remained unprotected and vulnerable. For these reasons, tree growth is considerably hampered and damaged.
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GENERAL GUIDELINES AND IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS WHILE PLANTING A TREE
Taxonomically, the general guidelines and considerations are encapsulated in a three-stage process of tree planting. The process is illustrated below and subsequently described.
Selecting a tree specie Planting a tree Maintaining a tree
Selecting a tree specie Nature is relentlessly diverse. One has myriad choices while selecting a tree species. However, the choices are constricted by adding constraints and considerations in the equation.
Key consideration of this stage Plantation site suitability Biological diversity of a tree Climate adaptability of a tree
Plantation site suitability Plantation site should be evaluated in terms of space available for tree growth. A tree requires space for spreading its root networks and foliage; the required space is vary from tree to tree. It is highly recommended that one should be aware of the area required by a tree to grow and mature. Internet perhaps serves a good medium to gain this knowledge.
Furthermore, it should be considered that the biological characteristics of soil and tree should be compatible in order to facilitate healthy tree growth. An arborist consultation is highly recommended here.
Biological diversity of tree A general RULE Of THUMB for tree Tree biodiversity is important for three reasons. biodiversity? First, tree biodiversity considerably mitigate the Generally, a 10 20 30 rule is widely accepted potential risk of loss of trees due to pest attacks to flourish an adequate biodiversity in urban and unusual weather. Secondly, biodiversity in trees tree population. The principle states that contribute to enhanced ecological services for an urban tree population should include no improved urban resilience. Thirdly, the biodiversity more than of trees would nourish biodiversity of fauna 10% of any one specie, including birds, pollinators, butterflies, and other 20% of any one genus, and insects; which means cleaner environment, 30% of any one family. improved crops production, and lesser pollution.
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Climate adaptability of a tree Tree specie is selected considering the climate of the chosen site. For example, coconut trees are good for tropical climate but should not suggested for cold climate. Native trees or indigenous tree specie should be given preference over exotic species. Invasive plant species should be taken carefully considered while planting.
Planting a tree Essentially, planting a tree is more than sowing a sapling in the ground. The area of the tree pit is very important.
Area of tree pit As illustrated below: Visibility of tree trunk flare Thickness of mulch layer
Area of tree pit
A tree pit is a trench dug for the plantation of the tree sapling. Burlap/twine A tree sapling is a young tree is it typpically of height 7 to Original 2-3 cut away from Soil level mulch root ball 10 feet. Although the area of tree pit varies widely, a general Trunk guidelines would substantially help. There is a rule of thumb flare which says that a tree pit should be 2 to 3 times wider than the tree root ball (area of roots network beneath the tree Hole 2-3 times as wide Rootball on top of trunk) and 2 to 3 times less deeper than the root ball height. as diameter of rootball undisturbed soil Source: Garderners Supply Company, 2020 Visibility of trunk flare The trunk flare should be visible above the ground. The trunk flare is a transition zone; it needs to be completely aerated and uncovered. It should be carefully considered that mulch and soil does not cover up the trunk flare, as it does so, the nutrients present in mulch and soil wet the trunk flare and makes it more vulnerable to the attack of insects and pests hampering the growth of tree and blocking oxygen.
A well-maintained trunk flare.
Why trunk flare visibility matters? Trunk flare of a tree is a junction between upper part (canopy and trunk) and lower part (roots) of a tree. A main function of trunk flare is to supply oxygen to the roots. Covering trunk flare constricts oxygen supply and so hamper the growth of roots.
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Thickness of mulch layer
Place a mulch layer on top of the soil. Be careful that mulch layer should not touch the tree trunk and trunk flare. The mulch layer should be not be thicker than 3 inches.
A mulch layer is highly recommended to be placed on top of the tree soil on the surface of the tree pit for a healthy and sustainable growth of a tree.
What is a mulch layer? A mulch layer is a mixture of organic and inorganic nutrients. It is composed of a variety of nutrients including dried fruits and vegetable residues, grass, bark wood, hay, leaves, shredded newspaper and cardboard, and animal manure. A mulch layer is applied on top of soil, whereas, a compost is mixed with the soil.
Why mulch layer matters? A mulch layer provides the soil with nutrients, fertility, and moisture.
Maintaining a tree
A tree requires care and maintenance. The maintenance of a tree requires a few actions. First and foremost is watering the tree. Second, apply mulch layer to maintain and flourish soil quality. A mulch should be applied when vestige of last mulch is disappearing. Thirdly, it is important to keep the tree pit clear from garbage and weeds and protect the trunk flare from being covered and tree foliage from damage.
Over the time, tree trunk flare will cover from dust, garbage, and cement infrastructure. Trees planted on roads and pavements are potentially vulnerable. Moreover, weeds and unwanted invasive plants also grow in tree pits and sucks nutrients from the ground. Therefore, the tree pit should be cleared and prevented from unwanted weeds and plants, and from garbage and any other waste. The waste in the tree pit can block air, cover the trunk flare, or facilitate the growth of unwanted microorganisms, for example, mismanaged organic waste in tree pits. Even more trees in the urban settings are especially vulnerable from contrivances and lighting strings, this brutally damage tree's complex and delicate ecosystem. This practice should not be promoted.
P.S.
Nevertheless, everyone who is planting a tree is necessarily an arborist or botanist. Neither, it is mandatory to have a degree in tree science before planting a tree. A moderate level of self-study from secondary sources would substantially help. However, a consultation to an arborist is highly recommended.
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SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE SALEKA ENVER, SHEHRI-CBE The issues around current weeds, pests, diseases, nature farming Methods:- biodiversity, and wildlife in 2) Wide adoption of agro- Even though, the agriculture an agricultural ecosystem- ecological approaches for sector has significantly an ecological system managing agricultural increased productivity to managed and shaped by landscapes...it integrates reduce the number of food humans. Some cover crops practices such as organic insecure people, it has had are clover, snow peas etc. farming, regenerative its downside. The cost to which fix nitrogen, cover agriculture, some aspects nature has been high! soil in winter and add of perm culture, and Intensification and expansion humus to soil in spring. therefore contributes to has degraded soils and 3. Reducing or eliminating sustainable development. ecosystems, depleted tillage (manual clearing 3) Establish targets and already challenged water followed by mechanized indicators at national and resources in most countries, tillage for preparation of global levels for sustainable and also reduced land for growing crops) agriculture. biodiversity. According to 4. Applying integrated pest 4) Reward farmers for FAO, more than 25% of arable management ecosystem services. soils worldwide are thus 5. Integrating livestock and degraded. crops Can the adoption of Yields have also been 6. Adopting agro- forestry sustainable farming methods stagnating practices i.e. by mixing help in food sufficiency and Future demand for food will trees or shrubs into their concerns related to livestock increase operations, farmers can farming in this pandemic? provide shade and shelter Farmers and conservationists to protect plants, animals 1) Yes! Sustainable farming should work together to and water resources, while practices contribute to conserve soil biodiversity also, potentially offering addressing concerns through sustainable farming additional income around intensive farming, methods for improving 7. Sustainable farms value especially improving animal agricultural land health and uncultivated, or less welfare thus reducing productivity. importantly, cultivated threat to human health.... areas, for their role in because of less use of Some sustainable agricultural controlling erosion, agrochemicals, smaller herd principles:- reducing nutrient runoff, sizes and outdoor holding 1. Rotating crops and and supporting pollinators with reduced risk of embracing biodiversity and other biodiversity. zoonotic diseases 2. Planting of cover crops. In emerging.... due to the agriculture, cover crops are Transition to Sustainable increased diversity in crops plants that are planted to Agriculture and species. cover the soil rather than STEPS that farmers, 2) Improving soil and land for the purpose of being government agencies and health will reduce the harvested. Cover crops policy makers can take are:- farmer's vulnerability to manage soil erosion, soil 1) Prioritize soil and landscape increased climate change fertility, soil quality, water, biodiversity for food and impacts.
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SINDH GOVERNMENT SEEKS HELP OF CIVIL SOCIETY, TOWN PLANNERS TO FINALISE KARACHI MASTER PLAN
On 14th October 2020, Sindh Transit System, the Karachi that under-construction Chief Secretary Syed Mumtaz Water & Sewerage Services buildings in the city should Ali Shah invited architects, Improvement Project, the Malir now carry a board outside their Town planners, representatives Expressway and other mega premises with a QR code that of Civil Society and urban development projects in the enables the public to use their planning experts to finalize the city. He said that the federal smart phones to ascertain the master plan for the Karachi city. government, the provincial legal status of the construction administration and the World duly approved by the Sindh Sindh Chief Secretary Syed Bank have been providing the Building Control Authority Mumtaz Ali Shah said that the required funds for these (SBCA). provincial government will projects in the city. beautify Karachi with the Shah said the Sindh support and cooperation of the During the meting Chief government is devising master civil society. Shah told that the Secretary reiterated that the plans for 17 cities of the government is working on the provincial government will not province, out of which plans for K-IV Greater Karachi Water allow the construction of any Sukkur, Larkana and Islamkot Supply Project, the Karachi illegal building anywhere in have been completed. Master Circular Railway, the Bus Rapid the city at any cost. He said plans for the remaining 14 cities
15 SHEHRI-CBE JULY - DECEMBER 2020 will be completed by June, he meeting assured the provincial The meeting was attended by added. authorities that they would Local Government Secretary provide the utmost support for Najam Ahmed Shah, the He sought the opinions of finalising Karachi's master plan. Institute of Architects experts of architecture and They said that they would also Pakistan's Arif Changezi, urban town planners for extend their expert advice for Heritage Committee head finalising the master plan for finalising mega development Yasmeen Lari, the NED Karachi. The chief secretary projects for the city. University of Engineering & said that construction experts Technology's Prof. Dr. Noman should also provide their The Chief Secretary assured Ahmed, Shehri General advice so that the conservation everyone that the Secretary Amber Alibhai, the of heritage buildings in suggestions of civil society Institution of Engineers different parts of the city can representatives and urban Pakistan's Engr Sohail Bashir, be ensured. town planners will be fully Maria Ansari, Hameer Soomro, adhered to while preparing Asad IA Khan and the SBCA Those who attended the the master plan for the city. director general.
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VIOLATIONS OF BUILDINGS RULES AND REGULATIONS IN THE CITY
The Honourable Supreme Court meant for residential houses, order, SBCA failed to implement of Pakistan passed orders dated amenity plots like play grounds, it in the city. We at Shehri 22nd January 2019, in Civil parks, and others amenities and received various complaints Petition No.815-K of 2016 and all such approval given by SBCA regarding illegal construction issued specific directions for shall be reviewed and any on residential plots, schools on SBCA, the relevant para is building constructed in violation residential plots, misuse of reproduced as under:- of original Master Plan in the residential plots and violations City of Karachi, shall be ensured of building rules and "Sindh Building Control to be restored to its original regulations. Authority (SBCA), shall not position". approve any multistoried These are just a few, there are building plan on residential plots Despite the Supreme Court many more across the city.
Plot No. JM-977 (1500 sqyds), Street No. 8, Muslimabad, Karachi Construction against allotment order and lease agreement Multistorey highrise construction on residential plot Plot situated on less than 40' feet wide residential road.
Plot No. JM 655 (1300 sqyds), Jamshed Quarters, Karachi. The above mentioned plot is residential and its situated on less than 40' ft wide road. The builder constructed flats for commercial sale. Construction in COS An independent inspection of construction and examination of approved building plan will show various violations of construction on the site.
Plot No. 301 (240 sqyds), Block 2, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, KDA Sch- 24, Karachi G+3 construction on residential plot. Illegal shops and portions/flats. G+1 construction is allowed on residential plot Entire COS encroached. An independent inspection of construction and examination of approved building plan will show various violations of construction on the site.
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Plot No. A/331 (240 sqyds) Block D, North Nazimabad, Karachi. Construction on 3rd floor in progress, whereas G+1 construction is allowed by SBCA. The owners/builders constructed Illegal Portions/flats.
Plot No. 153-N (1000 sqyds), Block-2, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi G+2 construction on residential plot. Illegal Portions on residential plot. Plot situated on less than 40' feet wide residential road. In P.E.C.H.S. G+1 construction is allowed on residential plot An independent inspection of construction and examination of approved building plan will show various violations of construction on the site.
Plot No. 147-B (1000 sqyds), Block-2, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi G+2 construction, whereas approval was only B+G+1 Illegal Portions on residential plot. Plot situated on less than 40' feet wide residential road. Construction against approved building plan
Plot No. 171-1-A (1000 sqyds), Block-3, Sir Syed Road, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi Multistorey highrise construction. Violation of allotment order and lease agreement
Plot No. 171-1-C (1000 sqyds), Block-3, Sir Syed Road, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi Multistorey highrise construction. Plot situated on residential street, less than 40'feet wide road. B+G+2+under construction. Plan for more floors. Violation of allotment order and lease agreement
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Plot No. 156-L, (100 sqyds) Block 2, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi Illegal construction of portions on residential plot Plot situated on residential street, less than 40' feet wide road. Violation of allotment order and lease agreement
Plot No. 137-E (300 sqyds) Block-2, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi G+2 construction on residential plot. Constructions of Illegal Portions for commercial sale. Plot situated on less than 40'feet wide residential road. Construction in COS. In P.E.C.H.S. G+1 construction is allowed on residential plot. An independent inspection of construction and examination of approved building plan will show various violations of construction on the site.
Plot No.137-G (300 sqyds), Block-2, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi G+2 construction on residential plot. Illegal Portions for commercial sale. Plot situated on less than 40' feet wide residential road. Construction in COS In P.E.C.H.S. G+1 construction is allowed on residential plot. An independent inspection of construction and examination of approved building plan will show various violations of construction on the site.
Plot No.161-A (2000 sq.yds), Block-3, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi Plot situated on non-declared commercial road. Illegal car showroom on residential plot
Plot No.144-B (1000 sq.yds), Block-2, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi School on residential plot. KBTPR not followed. Hali Road is a residential road, in rush hours, cars are lined up on the roads for hours. Noise and Traffic jams, result of the vehicles during school hours.
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Plot No.145-C (1000 sq.yds), Block-2, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi School on residential plot. KBTPR not followed. Hali Road is a residential road, in rush hours, cars are lined up on the roads for hours. Noise and Traffic jams, result of the vehicles during school hours.
Plot No.146-H (1000 sq.yds), Block-2, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi School on residential plot. KBTPR not followed. in rush hours, cars are lined up on the roads for hours. Noise and Traffic jams, result of the vehicles during school hours.
Plot No.145-E (1000 sq.yds), Block-2, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi Plot situated on residential road Misuse of residential plot, as owners have converted the plot into a car parking site for commercial purpose.
Plot No.126-M (300 sqyds), Block-2, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi Plot situated on less than 40' feet wide residential road. Construction of portions for commercial sale. COS covered. Construction against allotment order and lease agreement
Plot No.112-C (300 sqyds), Block-2, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi Plot situated on less than 40' feet wide residential road. Construction of portions for commercial sale. COS covered. Construction against allotment order and lease agreement Illegal construction of portions on residential plot
20 JULY - DECEMBER 2020 SHEHRI-CBE
Plot No.123-P (300 sqyds), Block-2, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi Plot situated on less than 40' feet wide residential road. Construction of portions for commercial sale. COS covered. Construction against allotment order and lease agreement
Plot No.118-G (300 sqyds), Block-2, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi Plot situated on less than 40' feet wide residential road. Construction of portions for commercial sale. COS covered. Construction against allotment order and lease agreement
Plot No. 142-S (1000 sqyds), Block 2, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi. Plot situated on non-declared commercial road. Commercial activity on residential plot
Plot No. 166-A (2000 sqyds), Block 3, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi. Plot situated on non-declared commercial road. Commercial activity on residential plot
Plot No. 85-S (1000 sqyds), Block 2, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi. Misuse of Residential Property No change of land use
21 SHEHRI-CBE JULY - DECEMBER 2020
Plot No. 77-P (400 sqyds), Block-2, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi. G+2 construction on residential plot. Construction of portions for commercial sale. In P.E.C.H.S. G+1 construction is allowed on residential plot. An independent inspection of construction and examination of approved building plan will show various violations of construction on the site.
Plot No. 139-A (1000 sqyds), Block-2, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi Construction within the radius of 3/4 miles of Quaid-e-Azam Mazar Under prevailing law, the height of all construction falling within the radius of 3/4 miles of Quaid-e-Azam Mazar shall not exceed above podium level of 91-ft (27.72 m).
Plot No.20 (1000 sqyds), Block-3, New Karachi Cooperative Housing Society (NKCHS), Karachi Plot situated on less than 40'feet wide residential road. Construction of portions for commercial sale. An independent inspection of construction and examination of approved building plan will show various violations of construction on the site.
Plot No.36 (1000 sqyds), Block-3, New Karachi Cooperative Housing Society (NKCHS), Karachi Plot situated on less than 40'feet wide residential road. Construction of portions for commercial sale. An independent inspection of construction and examination of approved building plan will show various violations of construction on the site.
Plot No.38 (1000 sqyds), Block-3, New Karachi Cooperative Housing Society (NKCHS), Karachi Plot situated on less than 40' feet wide residential road. Construction of portions for commercial sale. An independent inspection of construction and examination of approved building plan will show various violations of construction on the site.
22 JULY - DECEMBER 2020 SHEHRI-CBE
23 SHEHRI-CBE JULY - DECEMBER 2020
SUCCESSFUL PLANTATION OF URBAN FOREST AT MAZAR-E-QUAID BY SHEHRI, ON PLOT ADJACENT TO MANAGEMENT BOARD
After the intense heat wave in Mr.Mohammad Arif, Resident by Shehri to lay the foundation 2015 desperate measures were Engineer of Quaid Mazar of urban forest. Thus, in March needed to combat climate Management Board (QMMB), 2016 Shehri dispatched change in order to mitigate the to give us an alternate site and dumpers of soil mixed with adverse effects on the he provided us the plot manure to the site, 250 pits environment. As green cover adjacent to the QMMB's office were dug, soil placed in them continued to dwindle in and decided to start plantation and trees were planted by Karachi, Shehri CBE decided to there, up till now Shehri was Shehri volunteers. This was just do something about it. planting trees inside the the beginning! boundary. On this plot they After a survey of appropriate were constructing a treatment Initially, Imli and Neem Trees sites, Shehri decided to kick off plant so that water was were planted. Then in April its million-trees campaign at available in abundance. 2016, more Neem Trees, Gul Mazar-e-Quaid, but due to Mohar, Cyrus, Cardia, Jamun, security reason it was not This is a semi rocky field so Guava, Jungle Jalebi and possible to create urban forest new soil and lot of manure were Pomegranate Trees were also there so Shehri requested required which were provided planted.
Tree Plantation adjacent to Quaid-e-Azam Mazar Manager Board's Office
# Date Participants Details of Sapling Pictures 1 09/04/2016 Shehri members 350 sapling of plants and fruits (mix of IMLI Jungle Members from tree Jalabee, Gulmohar, Neem plantation group Raintree) - dumper of khaad and mitti
2 14/04/2017 Shehri Members 150 Kachnar Trees planted
Note: how this area was barren
3 28/06/2018 Shehri Members 150 Chickoo, Neem, Lemon
24 JULY - DECEMBER 2020 SHEHRI-CBE
# Date Participants Details of Sapling Pictures 4 23/08/2019 Shehri members 100 Gauva, Chickoo, Bari Mrs. & Mr. Saeed Sethar planting Gauva Tree at Urban Forest site
5 28/08/2019 Resident Engineer 80 Gauva & Chickoo Muhammad Arif
Shehri Members
6 20/08/2020 Shehri Members 50 Gauva
7 21/08/2020 Ms. Komal Pervez 75 Jamun, Beri & Chickoo
Till todate approximately more than All in all, it is now a blossoming, very promising urban forest in the 1000 fruits trees have been planted. healthy developed area with a making. Kudos to Shehri's efforts!
This is one of the CLIFTON UNDERPASS AREA AS IT WAS IN 1875 most amazing pictures of Karachi! Yes! Thats the 2 clifton underpass Talwar about 138 years ago! Zamzama wasnt
land, it was a body NOW UBL
of water! Think CLIFTON ROAD about that the next
time you go UNDERPASS NOW! ROAD TO BOAT BASIN shopping at khadda market!
25 SHEHRI-CBE JULY - DECEMBER 2020
SINDH GOVERNMENT RE-NOTIFIES THE SBCA OVERSEE COMMITTEE
The Sindh Government has 24th August 2020 issued by has been tasked to review and formed a committee to review Local Government & Housing monitor the authority's matters, the Sindh Building Control Town Planning Department. including grant of permits for Authority's (SBCA) affairs and high-rises and approval of maps monitor the issuance of permits According to the notification, by the SBCA. for construction of high-rises the local government secretary and approval of maps by it. In will head the committee Following are members of the this regard a notification dated comprising nine members. It SBCA Oversee Committee
1 Secretary, Local Government & Housing Town Planning Department Chairman 2 The Chairman, Association of Buildings and Developers Vice Chairman 3 Director General, SBCA Member/Secretary 4 Chairman Pakistan Engineering Council or his nominee Ex Officio Member 5 Chairman Pakistan Council of Architects & Town Planners or his nominee. Ex Officio Member 6 President Institute of Architects Pakistan or his nominee Ex Officio Member 7 President Institute of Engineers Pakistan (IAP) or his nominee Ex Officio Member 8 Mrs. Amber Alibhai, Shehri-CBE Member 9 Mr. Hameer Soomro, Architect/Civil Activist Member Terms of Reference of the for the effective preservation 6. To monitor and make sure Committee are as follows; and restoration of buildings to comply the Orders or of architectural, cultural or Judgments or the 1. To Oversee all affairs of the historical interest. Honourable Supreme Court SBCA and monitor the grant of Pakistan and High Court of permission for High Rise 4. To coordinate with any Task of Sindh strictly in Buildings in accordance Force, advisors, experts or accordance with the spirit with the Sindh Building others persons performing of the said orders and Control Ordinance, 1979, any functions under the judgments. Karachi Building and Town Sindh Building Control Planning Regulations 2002 Ordinance 1979. 7. The examine the and other laws of the land. professional obligations or 5. To recommend further statutory duties of the all 2. The take measures to amendments in laws, officers or official of the ensure that the provisions Building Regulations and authority (SBCA) and for amenity parks, Services Rules/Review the submit their respective playgrounds public services previous KBTPR or other recommendations to all the and recreational areas in rules or notification with a Government for perusal and various housing and other view to achieve the object necessary action. schemes are properly of the promulgation of utilized and allotted. SBCA-1979, KBTRP 2002 8. Any other assignments as and other laws of the land assigned by the 3. To make recommendations in letter and spirit. Government of Sindh. 26 JULY - DECEMBER 2020 SHEHRI-CBE
MINISTRY OF CLIMATE CHANGE IS EAGAR TO SEE KARACHI CITY GREEN
Malik Amin Aslam Federal Minister and Adviser to Prime Minister of Pakistan for Climate Change, joined Plantation drive at Quaid's Mazar by planting an Ajwa dates tree.
Rukhsana Naveed, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Climate Change Pakistan, was invited to join plantation drive by Shehri at Quaid's Mazar
27 SHEHRI-CBE JULY - DECEMBER 2020
SHEHRI - CITIZENS FOR A BETTER ENVIRONMENT INTRODUCTION
Shehri- CBE is a Karachi-based Public Information Counter. OBJECTIVES voluntary advocacy group Establishment of an aware and Halting commercialization and established by concerned pro-active civil society, good sale of 11 KTC and 15 SRTC bus- citizens in 1988 to project their governance, transparency and depot plots in Karachi and Sindh. apprehensions about the rule of law. Today these plots are to be used deterioration of the built and by the CDGK for intercity bus Promotion of research, natural environment. terminals and other related documentation, dialogue with There is a special emphasis on transportation activity. and influence of public policies. tackling illegal construction and Saving (Makro) webb Ground Setting up an effective and zoning violations, and their playfield in Lines Area, Karachi. representative local government related symptoms, e.g., drainage, system. encroachments, parking and Demolition of apartment infrastructure. Shehri monitors structure Costa Linina in amenity Preparation of a representative the regulatory bodies and Bagh-e-Ibne-Qasim, Clifton. Master Plan / Zoning plan for government agencies and CDGK has now developed it as Karachi city and effective encourages civil society to do the a park. implementation of the same. same. Preventing commercialization of Observance of basic human SUCCESSES Doongi Ground park / playfield rights in society. Passing of Sindh Senior Citizens in Lahore. HOW IS SHEHRI RUN? Welfare Bill 2014 Demolition of Reducing, as part of Lahore A volunteer Managing Glass Towers illegal Bachhao Tehrik, the amount of Committee, duly elected by the encroachment on the notified damage from Canal Bank General Body for a term of two road-widening of Clifton Road. Widening Project. years, thereby functioning in an open and democratic manner. Saving of 480-acre Gutter Reaffirmation of seismic building Membership is open to all who Baghicha Park on Manghopir code in Quetta. subscribe to its objectives and Road. This is the largest open Training 1600 (Approx) police memorandum. recreational space in a low officers all over Pakistan on income congested area of Lyari- participatory citizen-police SHEHRI inhabited by approximately one interaction, human rights needs million people. violations and police reforms. Volunteers Saving of 62-acre Kidney hill Park to work in the following areas: Over the years, Shehris expertise in Karachi Cooperative Housing Legal Affair has been recognized by superior Society Union inclusive of 18-acre Media and Outreach courts and it has been called as notified KWSB installations. Million Trees Campaign amicus curiae (friend of the court) Conservation and Heritage Establishment of the Oversee in cases dealing with built Fund Raising Committee of the KBCA and a environment violations. Gun Free Society
Name: JOIN SHEHRI SHEHRI MEMBERSHIP Occupation: To Create a Better Dont forget to renew your Environment membership for 2021 (Rs. 5000/=) Address: Submit A Cross Cheque of PKR 5000/= in favor of Join Shehri and play Shehri-CBE Along with 2 your role as a good citizen to make passport size photos to become a member this city a clean, healthy and Contact No.: Address: 88-R, Block-2, environmentally P.E.C.H.S., Karachi-75400. E-mail: Tel / Fax : 021-3453-0646 friendly place to live in!
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