The Role of City Government in Maintaining the Urban Greening in the Megacity Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Cities are a part of the general ecosystem and are part of the larger bioregion. To preserve nature we need to integrate nature into cities, whether through green ways, wetlands, protected watersheds that provide a habitat for wildlife, or cultivated farm lands that preserve the generic variety of native species [I am not aware of cultivated farmlands that preserve native species]. Green areas contribute to maintaining and expanding the biological base for diversity that is essential for human survival. A well-planned urban greening program is part of securing a healthy sustainable future for the urban population of megacities of developing countries. This study focuses the megacity of Karachi in Pakistan. With a population of over 21 million, it is lacking in healthy recreational places. Overall Karachi has 1256 open spaces including parks, playgrounds, and green belts. This amount is inadequate for the 4.5 % per annum growth of the Karachi. This study provides an overview of the developed and undeveloped urban parks of the city and their town wise (?) development from 2001. The study also provides information about the role of city district government and local government in the development and maintenance of green spaces including parks in Karachi. Park encroachment by other departments or local people is burning issue in the city and is also discussed.