Ecosystem Approach and Hydrological Potential Study of Port Qasim Industrial Coastal Zone of Karachi Pakistan

Abstract

Extensive excavations for groundwater and rainfall diminish during past decades have disturbed water balance of Sindh Est extending over area between Indus and Kirthar Range towards west from District Dadu to the Coastal Zone and Indus Delta in the south. Groundwater exploitation without is determining hydrological potential of the region. This has increased the risk of seawater intrusion and of seismic events in the coastal areas.Groundwater depletion has been caused by the loss of infiltration capacity of surface soil due to sealing of top soil resulting from construction activities in urban areas and to salinization of soil in the canal command rural areas; both processes being responsible for reducing the capacity to recharge the groundwater aquifers. Excavation of silt, sand and gravel from bed of river and natural channels for construction activities in the urban areas of western Sindh has reduced the absorption capacity. Environmental Profile has discussed. Surface water, groundwater and wastewater, waste stream being discharged into the river and seawater along the coast has been determined with respect to several physical, chemical and biological parameters. For environmental hazards protection and handling of oil and molasses, PQA has adopted Environmental Management Plan. That was capable to avoid certain type of eco-disasters. Manage all environmental disasters and also including oil spill at KE Bin Qasim and PSO pumping station.

Keywords: Groundwater, sea water intrusion, salinization of soil, environmental hazards, environmental management plan