KARACHI – The residents of coastal areas continued their protest for the second consecutive day on Wednesday against massive deforestation of mangroves. Hundreds of fisherfolk, including women, carrying banners and placards, reached the ICI Flyover to take part in the protest march against mangrove deforestation.
Enraged youth activists chanted slogans for giving protection to their abodes, life and livelihoods. The protesters led by Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF) chairperson Mohammed Ali Shah also staged a sit-in demonstration outside the Sindh Assembly building. They demanded the removal of Keamari Town police officer, allegedly supporting the land mafia criminals, within 30 minutes or otherwise the protesters would enter the assembly premises.
Besides PFF chairperson Mohammed Ali Shah, General Secretary Saeed Baloch, Majeed Motani, Tahira Ali, Abdul Ghani, civil society representatives, political activists, and fisherfolk communities from different coastal areas took part in the march, demanding an end to cutting of mangrove forests; withdrawing false cases against PFF leaders and community activists; ensure protection to local communities; and lodge cases against the criminals.
Outside the assembly building, Deputy Speaker Shehla Raza assured the protesters that the cutting of mangrove forests would be stopped and the police officer allegedly patronising the land mafia removed within three days. Raza also held a meeting with the PFF leaders and listened to their grievances. She assured them on behalf of the provincial authorities to resolve the problems being faced by the fishing communities, including action against corrupt police officers and those involved in mangroves cutting.
The protesters also staged a demonstration in front of the office of Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) to draw his attention towards the corrupt police officials.
PFF chairperson Shah said that the protesters had warned the authorities that the citizens of the metropolis are under threat, but as usual, nobody paid heed to their suggestions and demands.
“The land mafia is destroying mangroves and using the reclaimed land for commercial ventures in an organised manner,, putting the people of Karachi at the mercy of cyclones and tsunamis,” he said, adding that the conscious coastal community residents have tried to convey the message to the officials concerned and now it was up to the government and non-governmental environmental agencies to take notice of the alarming situation.
Earlier, the rally participants staged a brief sit in outside the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) building and demanded the officials concerned to play their due role for safeguarding the coastal areas; initiate development projects; and take legal action against the people destroying mangroves forests. The PFF was again assured that the KPT would approach the authorities concerned to ensure lodging cases against land mafia and stopping mangroves destruction.
On the first day, KPT Marine Pollution Control Department official Fayaz Rasool had assured the PFF and other activists that government authorities would be approached for bringing an end to mangrove deforestation. PFF General Secretary Baloch called the move of mangroves deforestation a warning call for the residents of Karachi. He asked them to join the PFF’s struggle for their own safety as the mangroves are a natural shield against cyclones and tsunamis.
“Mangroves deforestation would not only cause the destruction of communities living along the coast but the entire city would face its effects and it is time to realise its impact on our lives,” Baloch said. PFF activist Motani demanded that the government authorities should probe the matter and take action against the officials patronising the criminals in cutting mangroves.
“Mangroves forests on hundreds of acres along the beaches have been destroyed for commercial purposes and more forests are being cleaned. Mangroves are natural assets against natural disasters and they should not be lost. It is the responsibility of all departments to play their due role,” he added. Sharing his experiences, Fayaz Rasool said the mangroves play a key role as nurseries for juvenile fish and maintain ecology.
