Karachi Residents Protest Water Crisis Amid 10-Day Supply Disruption

Frustrated residents in Karachi staged a protest blocking roads over a 10-day water supply disruption. Demonstrators cited high water prices and unresponsive hydrant operators, causing traffic chaos. Police pledged to resolve the scarcity, rooted in infrastructure issues and climate change.

In Karachi, residents took to the streets to protest a 10-day water supply disruption, blocking roads near Nasir Jump and setting fires to tyres, as reported by The Express Tribune. The demonstrators highlighted the severe scarcity of water affecting Nasir Colony and nearby areas, expressing that they had been without water for ten days, leading to a daily struggle for each drop.

The situation was further exacerbated by the rising cost of water, making it increasingly difficult for locals to afford bottled water. When attempting to purchase water privately, residents reported frequent refusals from hydrant operators. Late on Friday night, the protest caused significant traffic disruptions between Korangi and Landhi, severely impacting commuters.

The frustrated residents stated they had filed numerous complaints with the water board, which remained unaddressed, prompting the protests. They warned that demonstrations would continue if the water supply was not restored. Police arrived on the scene and engaged in discussions with protestors, promising to collaborate with water board officials to find a solution. Karachi's water crisis stems from factors including population growth, inadequate infrastructure, and climate change, leaving many urban areas with severe shortages.

As one of Pakistan's largest cities, Karachi is grappling with a significant mismatch between water supply and demand. The city's outdated infrastructure struggles to keep pace with rising consumption, a situation highlighted by Dawn. Local authorities and utility companies are working on addressing the issue, but the crisis remains unresolved, causing serious hardships for residents and escalating frustrations.

(With inputs from agencies.)