The Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) has called on citizens to play a more active role in protecting the environment by adopting responsible waste management practices and supporting tree plantation efforts across the city on World Environment Day.

In a special message, SSWMB Managing Director Tariq Ali Nizamani said that the slogan “Remove Waste, Plant Trees” represents a shared responsibility to build a cleaner, greener, and healthier Karachi for present and future generations.

He stressed that environmental protection goes far beyond planting trees and requires consistent efforts in proper waste disposal, recycling, reducing plastic pollution, preserving public spaces, expanding urban green areas, maintaining parks and beaches, and controlling air pollution.

Nizamani noted that Karachi’s growing environmental challenges are closely linked to poor waste management, rapid urban expansion, excessive plastic use, and the shrinking of green spaces. He warned that these factors continue to place increasing pressure on the city’s environment and quality of life.

“A clean city and a healthy environment go hand in hand,” he said, urging residents to dispose of waste responsibly, support recycling initiatives, participate in cleanliness campaigns, and contribute to plantation drives in their local communities.

The SSWMB chief highlighted ongoing efforts by the board to strengthen waste management systems through modern collection and disposal mechanisms, recycling programs, public awareness campaigns, beach-cleaning drives, and community engagement activities.

He also called on government institutions, educational organizations, businesses, civil society groups, and citizens to work together for a sustainable future, emphasizing that collective action is essential to making Karachi cleaner, greener, and more environmentally resilient.