HEC Asks Varsities To Conduct Studies On Impact Of Slums On Environment.

ISLAMABAD -- The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has proposed all the universities to adopt a 'Katchi Abadi' in its vicinity for improved life style of the residents, while mitigating the negative effects of slums and squatter settlements on climate change.

'The idea is that by adopting a 'Katchi Abadi' over the passage of a decade or less, the university would be able to turn it around and make living conditions better for the inhabitants,' Chairperson HEC Dr Shaista Sohail said in a letter written to the Vice-Chancellors/Rectors of all public and private sector universities.

The increase in population has led to mushroom growth in 'Katchi Abadis' across the country. The inhabitants of such localities do not have access to clean drinking water, electricity or hygienic conditions, the letter available with The Nation further said.

'It is proposed and encouraged that each university may adopt a 'Katchi Abadi' in its vicinity so that students may carry out social welfare activities including research on the issues of 'Katchi Abadis' and come up with cost effective solutions to provide clean drinking water, solar panel driven air conditioners, roads and houses constructed with compressed waste and any other possible solutions,' the letter said.

The idea is based on the findings of the Research and Development wing of HEC, which extensively outlined the problems faced by 'Katchi Abadis' and its prospective solution.

According to UN Habitat, almost 37% of the population of Pakistan lives in urban areas and is expected to increase by about 40 million people to an estimated 118 million by 2030. Moreover, more than 50% of the population of major cities of Pakistan lives in slums and squatter (Katchi Abadis).

The key burning issues confronting squatter settlements which need prompt action include: Lack of infrastructure, absence of policy level guidelines and their implementation to guarantee the legal protection of 'Katchi Abadi' residents against forced evictions, harassment, and other threats.

Absence of adequate and durable housing most of the houses are made of cardboards, wood, corrugated iron, plastic sheeting, etc leading to overcrowding and unbalanced urban equity.

No access to health-care facilities, poor hygiene, sanitation, low access to clean drinking water and malfunctioning sewerage schemes is another hallmark of the 'Katchi Abadis'. Non-availability of schools, colleges, technical and vocational training institutions for affordable...