Monday, April 23, 2007

Press Release 29-04-07 Sahil Bachao Coalition Protest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Abira Ashfaq, Sahil Bachao Coalition
Phone: 03343550336, email: abira_a@hotmail.com

Sunday, April 29, 2007 - 5 pm Sahil Bachao Coalition Protest - Take Back the Beach from Real Estate Profiteers

Karachi -- April 23, 2007 – The Sahil Bachao Coalition is a group of Karachi residents including lawyers, artists, architects, teachers, physicians and other professionals. The coalition is mobilizing against DHA’s illegal construction plans along Karachi’s Clifton Beach. It held an immensely successful and colourful protest on April 15th and will hold another one on April 29th. Hundreds marched together with banners and distributed paper boats and flyers to onlookers. People present at the beach were incredibly supportive and many joined the march to register their protest against DHA's plans.

The DHA has plans to construct theme parks, marinas, expo centres, expensive hotels, and condominiums on the 14 km of beach area between McDonalds and the Golf club. According to architect/social researcher Arif Hasan: “This area is currently enjoyed by Pakistanis of all backgrounds. This development threatens to shut out the common person’s free and unobstructed access to most of the beach area. It is against the law and will destroy the environment.” This construction plan will only serve the interests of real estate developers and other profiteers. It will end Karachi’s one multi-class open recreational space and will become a place for the affluent few. Architect Arif Belgaumi added that “Development plans should be sustainable and this plan is not. It is made in complete disregard of Karachi's infrastructure and the social needs of its residents.”

The Sahil Bachao Coalition invites everyone to come raise their voice with them. Please wear blue!

For information: Contact sahilbachao@gmail.com
Posted by at

1 comment:

beena sarwar said...

A cousin in the Bay area wrote: "I'll gladly sign the petition but if there is a McDonalds in Clifton then all is lost already."

My reply: "McDonald's is a total monstrosity. The DHA has already kicked out all the bandar-wallas and bhutta-walas and chai-walas that used to ply the beach - have instead put up genteel little 'kiosks' serving, what else, burgers and soft drinks. AND a huge mobile Pizza Hut. And floodlights under the gleam of which Karachi-walas cavort until all hours. But at least it is all public accessible.

"The bandar-walas etc protested when they were booted out a couple of years ago, and some people who are part of the Sahil Bachao coalition (Kauser S.K, for one) joined in their protest and tried to help them, but couldn't/didn't mobilise like they are doing now. I guess better late than never."

April 30, 2007 at 5:13 PM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)