A Seminar was held, Highlights
Mangrove Plantation and Marine
Pollution Control Initiatives
Staff Reporter
Karachi: The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) commemorated Earth Day with a dedicated seminar at the KPT Staff College, Lalazar, showcasing its ongoing environmental initiatives. The event featured a keynote address by Mr. Rashid Yahya Usmani, former Manager of Marine Pollution Control at KPT, who delivered an engaging lecture on this year’s Earth Day theme.
The seminar was attended by KPT officers and staff, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility.
Mangrove Plantation Drive Reinforces KPT’s Eco Commitment
KPT highlighted its sustained efforts in ecological preservation, particularly through mangrove plantation. Since 2022, the organization has planted over 82,000 mangrove saplings in the Eastern Backwaters and aims to plant an additional 35,000 saplings annually. These efforts support coastal resilience and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Innovative Solutions to Combat Marine Pollution
During the seminar, KPT’s groundbreaking measures to tackle marine pollution were also recognized. For the first time, indigenous floating booms have been deployed across Karachi Harbour to intercept floating debris entering the port channel. These booms effectively capture waste from culverts and drains (nullahs), which is then collected by boats and disposed of using environmentally friendly methods.
High-Tech Trash Skimmers on the Horizon
Looking ahead, KPT is considering the acquisition of two advanced trash skimmers to further boost debris collection at Karachi Port. This move reflects the port authority’s proactive approach to enhancing marine cleanliness and promoting long-term environmental sustainability.
