F.P. Report
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Maritime Affairs Syed Ali Haider Zaidi Friday said under the national vision for Clean and Green Pakistan to promote Blue Economy, his ministry has taken various field level initiatives for preservation and protection of marine environment.
He said while addressing the opening ceremony of Marine Debris Collections Barge (MDCB) who started its operations to clean up the marine trash.
The minister said, these barge (MDCB) acquired by Pakistan Navy talented engineers initially will collect solid waste from the sea.
The indigenous design and construction of the said barge was undertaken keeping in view that local marine environment, sea condition in the harbor debris classification and types finally disposal, he said.
Zaidi said approximately 1.25 million ton garbage and 650 million gallon polluted water is being discharged into the sea from Karachi city per day due to which marine life on the shores of Karachi is about to end which is an alarming situation.
He said Marine debris has adverse effects on the shipping and fishing industry as floating garbage disrupts smooth operation of marine systems and contributes towards decrease in marine aquatic life.
He underlined the need to adopt measures for promotion of tourism and welfare of fishermen.
MDCB can cover a reasonable area of the harbor and mechanically collect floating solid debris which can be offloaded at the designated area for further disposal.
