Karachi’s Industrial Waste Threatens Future of Millions of Coastal Fishermen

The historic fishing community of Rehri Goth, located along the coastal belt of Sindh, is now facing severe marine pollution. There was a time when the sea here was crystal clear—local elders recall that even a coin thrown into the water was clearly visible. Today, however, the situation has drastically worsened; visibility in the water is so poor that even a person falling into the sea can hardly be seen.

In the past, fishermen of Rehri Goth did not need to venture far into deep waters, as fish were abundantly available near the shoreline. This ensured a stable and prosperous livelihood for the local fishing community.

Unfortunately, conditions have now completely changed. The alarming rise in marine pollution has not only affected fish breeding but has also exposed fishermen to various health risks and diseases.

According to experts, the primary causes of pollution in Karachi’s coastal areas include untreated industrial waste, sewage discharge, and hazardous chemicals being dumped directly into the sea. Millions of gallons of contaminated water are released daily, severely damaging marine life and the livelihoods of fishermen.

Local residents of Rehri Goth have identified the following major sources of pollution:

Toxic chemicals from industrial zones

Waste from Bhains Colony and surrounding areas

Chemical discharge from factories (including textile industries)

Untreated sewage from across the city

All of this waste is being dumped into the sea without proper treatment, turning the coastal environment highly toxic.

It is deeply concerning that the sea—being the primary source of livelihood for fishermen and supporting millions of people—is being neglected, while relevant authorities and the Government of Sindh remain silent spectators.

Demands:
The Coastal Media Center and the local fishing community strongly urge the Government of Sindh, environmental agencies, and concerned authorities to:

Immediately ban the discharge of untreated industrial waste into the sea

Improve and upgrade the sewage treatment system

Ensure regular cleaning and monitoring of coastal areas

Take urgent measures to protect the health and livelihoods of fishermen

If immediate action is not taken, not only will marine life be irreversably damaged, but the future of millions of fishermen will also be at serious risk.