The Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project in Karachi has been in the spotlight recently due to a petition filed challenging the purchase of land and construction of a Bio-Gas plant in the Cattle Colony. Concerns about the health of the population, particularly those living near the proposed Bio-Gas factory, have fueled opposition to the project.
The government’s decision to purchase 32 acres of property in Cattle Colony for a Bio-Gas plant has been called into question by the petitioners. The land was previously approved for slaughterhouses and milk farming facilities, and there are fears that the proposed Bio-Gas project may expose a huge number of people to hazardous toxins. Furthermore, there are no operating examples of biomethane-fueled mass transport systems, and the practicality of such a system to power the Red Line BRT is unknown.
The petitioners have also raised concerns over the project’s financial feasibility and the lack of analysis of alternative options to the proposed Bio-Gas plant. The petitioners’ attorney has asked for an accelerated hearing on the issue, citing the building of the Bio-Gas facility without the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency’s (SEPA) permission.
The Sindh High Court (SHC) has heard the petition and issued notifications to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), SEPA, and other parties. The court has requested comments from these parties by May 17th. The petitioners are seeking a ruling from the SHC declaring the allotment of property in Cattle Colony for the purpose of a Bio-Gas plant unconstitutional.
The controversy surrounding the Red Line BRT project highlights the importance of proper analysis and evaluation of the environmental and health impacts of major infrastructure projects. It also emphasizes the importance of transparency and stakeholder participation in decision-making processes to ensure that projects meet the requirements of the community while minimizing negative consequences. The SHC’s upcoming decision on this case will be closely watched by those concerned about the environmental and health impacts of infrastructure projects in Karachi.
