Harbour cleanup yields 58,000kg waste as govt pushes blue economy

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th May, 2026) Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry on Monday said more than 58,000 kilogrammes of floating waste had been removed from Karachi harbour during an intensified clean up campaign launched under the “Cleaner Port, Healthier Marine Ecosystem” initiative to curb marine pollution, protect coastal biodiversity and promote a blue circular economy.

The minister said the clean up operation, carried out by the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) during the first two weeks of May, covered key harbour locations including East Wharf, West Wharf, oil piers and Boat Basin Jetty.

According to official figures, 58,450kg of waste, mostly plastic and marine debris, are collected through 159 boat sorties involving 487 personnel and later disposed of through the Sindh Solid Waste Management board under environmental protocols.

Mr Chaudhry said the initiative formed part of broader efforts to treat marine waste as a recoverable economic resource rather than merely a pollutant, adding that fisheries and aquaculture sectors could help reduce marine plastic leakage through recycling and upcycling practices.

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He said used fishing nets could be converted into new products, while fish waste could be processed into fertilisers, feed and other bio-products, creating economic opportunities for small and medium enterprises working under circular economy models.

The minister warned that untreated urban waste flowing through drainage systems into coastal waters remained a major source of marine pollution, posing risks to biodiversity, fisheries and port operations.

He said the waste recovered from Karachi harbour could generate an estimated economic value ranging between $7,000 and $32,000 if properly segregated and recycled, with a mid range estimate placing its worth at around $17,535.

Mr Chaudhry emphasised the need for improved waste segregation and stronger recycling infrastructure at ports to maximise both environmental and economic benefits, adding that continued harbour clean up efforts are essential for protecting marine life, ensuring navigational safety and maintaining sustainable port environments.