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The Sindh Human Rights Defenders Network (SHRDN) organized a fact-finding delegation to Keenjhar Lake, following concerns raised by the local community regarding the recently approved Floating Solar Project. The project, backed by the Sindh Government, has sparked fears about its potential adverse effects on the lake’s environment, biodiversity, and the livelihood of the fisherfolk who rely on the water body.
During the visit, representatives of the local community expressed their concerns, stating that no Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) had been conducted. Villagers highlighted that the project could severely harm the lake’s ecosystem, threatening the survival of 48 species of fish, disrupting migratory bird patterns, and damaging the livelihoods of local fishers. They also fear that the project could contaminate the lake’s water, a key source of drinking water for Karachi. Keenjhar Lake is a Ramsar-protected site, and the local community stressed that proceeding without proper public consultation and an unbiased EIA would violate international environmental protections, including those outlined under SDG14.
The delegation, which included Advocate Ali Palh, Ahmed Shabar, members of the Mahliati Tahfuz Movement, and other human rights activists, called on the Sindh Government to halt the project until an impartial committee of civil society members, environmental experts, and renewable energy specialists is appointed to thoroughly evaluate its impacts.
The delegation emphasized the need for transparent public consultations to ensure that the project respects both environmental laws and the rights of the local community.
