KARACHI – A new geological study conducted by experts from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University has revealed that Karachi’s Landhi and Malir areas have sunk by nearly 15.7 centimetres between 2014 and 2020 — a rate of land subsidence ranked among the fastest in the world.
The researchers said that this rate of sinking is second only to that observed in Tianjin, China.
The primary causes identified include excessive extraction of groundwater and the unregulated construction of high-rise buildings.
The report also highlighted that Karachi’s geographic location near the convergence point of three major tectonic plates — the Indian, Eurasian and Arabian plates — added to the city’s geological vulnerability.
The experts warned that if the unchecked pumping of groundwater and construction activity continue, more areas in Karachi could face similar subsidence, and the risk of seismic activity may also rise.
The study calls for immediate intervention to mitigate the threat and suggested that the installation of seawater desalination plants to reduce reliance on underground water sources and the enforcement of restrictions on the construction of tall buildings in the most affected zones.
Earlier, the reports had emerged that coastal areas including Badin and Thatta could sink into the sea after 30 years of period. A Senate body on science and technology had briefed the lawmakers back in 2015.
