Dumping untreated sewage has caused 40% drop in marine population: DG PMSA

KARACHI: Director General Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (MSA) revealed that untreated sewage being dumped into the Arabian Sea has had an adverse impact on the quality and population of marine life off the coast of Pakistan.

Rear Admiral Jameel Akhtar told Geo News that on a daily basis 500 million gallons of untreated sewage is being dumped into the sea along with 12 tons of garbage which has resulted in a forty percent drop in marine life populations.

Citing figures from a report, the Rear Admiral stressed that pollution of the sea is a very important issue that needs immediate action.

Rear Admiral Jameel Akhtar also told journalists about the increasing role of the MSA in connection with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which has resulted in increased maritime traffic around Gwadar.

He added, that in order to make sure the routes and coastline are secure, the MSA is building additional bases adding that in the coming weeks the Keti Bandar and Ormara bases will become operational.

The MSA has increased its fleet strength by inducting new vessels, four have vessels inducted with the help of China have bolstered the MSA’s patrol squadron while two vessels from the United States have also been included.

The MSA is currently constructing three more vessels with China’s help; the vessels named Kolachi, Zhob and Kashmir will be inducted into the fleet soon.