The never-ending scourge of illegal sand and gravel mining from the Malir and Gadap rivers

Illegal sand and gravel mining in the Malir and Gadap rivers and their tributaries in Karachi, Pakistan, is causing extensive environmental destruction and the collapse of the local agricultural sector. Despite a government ban (Section 144) on such activities, a powerful mafia, allegedly operating under the patronage of the police and mineral and mining department officials, continues these operations. This relentless exploitation of natural resources has led to the loss of 90% of agriculture in Karachi's rural areas, transforming once-fertile lands into barren wastelands. The destruction of riverbeds and depletion of groundwater reserves are driving thousands of agricultural laborers into unemployment and forcing migration, significantly impacting the supply of fresh produce, milk, and water to Karachi's millions. The article specifically implicates police stations like Gadap, Murad Memon, and Steel Town for their alleged complicity and protection of these mining activities, with one influential SHO reportedly having a brother directly involved in the illegal operations.