Too little too late for the growth of blue economy.

Byline: Khalil Ahmed

The fish-shaped dustbins have been laid at Karachi's Sea View recently to ensure that the beachgoers do not litter the beach. It seems a gorgeous effort, however, the time would tell whether the responsible citizens of the metropolis throw trash in these dustbins. Other frequently visited places such as French Beach, Hawke's Bay, Sandspit Beach, Paradise Beach, Manora Beach etc. in Karachi undergo the experience of trash and it has been happening since long without the attention of the concerned authorities.

Going to any beach in Karachi with some exceptions means going to experience piles of trash comprising plastic beverage bottles, plastic grocery bags, cigarette butts which contain plastic filters, food wrappers etc. No concrete measures seem to have been taken even now for marine trash abandoned on beaches of Karachi though there are claims regarding Coastal Cleanup day. Certain organizations as a Corporate Social Responsibility act do send their employees once or twice every year to pick up trash from beaches and so do some academic institutions, however, this activity seems just a window dressing rather than a serious endeavor to ensure clean and pristine beaches not only in Sindh but also in Balochistan.

Coastal Cleanup day has become a popular activity around the world, however, we still are far behind to catch up with the world in order to save marine life and our own lives as well. Beachgoers throw trash into the water and get off without any punishment since there is no one to either apprise them regarding their responsibility or fine them so that they do not get off without any penalty. Trash comprising plastic in whopping quantity has proven to be deadly for turtles, seals etc. that live in the ocean.

Fishermen in Karachi's coastal areas have often caught fishes entangled in some plastic material which is attributed to their death. Moreover, a recent study by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has staggered the world with the findings that on average people could be ingesting approximately 5 grams of plastic every week, which is the equivalent weight of a credit card.

It is spooky...