KARACHI: Managing Director Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB), Tariq Ali Nizamani, joined an environmental awareness campaign organised by the NGO Aik Qadam Aur, underscoring that a clean, green, and well-managed city is directly linked to improved public health outcomes for millions of Karachi residents.
Speaking at the event, Nizamani said that promoting eco-friendly behaviour, composting kitchen waste, recycling reusable materials, and increasing urban tree cover are not only environmental actions but essential public health interventions. He noted that safe waste disposal, reduced pollution, and greener neighbourhoods significantly lower the risks of respiratory illnesses, vector-borne diseases, and overall environmental stress on communities.
The campaign, held at Bangalore Town Park in Shabbirabad, was attended by the NGO’s Vice President Khadija Murtaza, CEO Expert Hazard & Waste Management Solutions Zia Zuberi, community representatives, parents, and children. The MD interacted with participants during the NGO’s initiative titled “GROW WITH US — Reflect. Nourish. Grow,” which focused on educating citizens about making compost from kitchen waste and understanding the health benefits of clean surroundings and plantation drives.
Children participated by planting saplings in the park, demonstrating how small community actions contribute to healthier environments. Nizamani said that collective responsibility, strong community engagement, and consistent waste-management practices are essential to protect public health in Karachi. He stressed that trees improve air quality, reduce pollution exposure, and help create safer, healthier urban spaces.
He added that safeguarding the environment is a shared duty and urged citizens to play an active role in keeping the city clean, reducing waste, and nurturing greenery to ensure a safer and healthier future for all.
