Deforestation

Trees play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the environment. Water that evaporates from the leaves maintains the moisture level of the atmosphere. According to research, evaporation from a single tree can produce the cooling effect of ten room-sized air conditioners. However, trees are being cut down at a rapid pace in Karachi. This factor is one of the reasons for heat waves in the city.

Rapid deforestation and urbanisation are changing the ecological balance in Karachi. While the government of Pakistan, in the last few years, had asserted that the heat wave was occurring due to these two factors, the issue has still been largely overlooked. No proper precautions were or have been made to address this problem. The authorities are requested to look into the matter and chalk out laws to stop excessive cutting down of trees. The regulations should be implemented soon and the culprits should be punished.

Tooba Zahoor

Karachi