CPEC’s Economic Zones
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the main element of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The Chinese government is implementing sustainable policies in the BRI and has also named it the Green Silk Road, which is a sustainability-flavored sub–theme of the BRI. The main purpose is to enhance China’s image as a leader in a green and sustainable world. In CPEC, there are nine special economic zones (SEZs) designed to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and industrial development in specific areas.
Industrial development also leads to the production of solid waste, which, if managed ineffectively, leads to several environmental effects on local communities. There is a need for a proper waste management mechanism in these projects but there seems to be an evident gap at the policy level for proper solid waste management. Allama Iqbal Industrial City (AIIC), which is located in Faisalabad, is already facing the problem of improper waste management. The development of the AIIC has also led to a large amount of waste production, which is harmful for the local communities.
There are nine SEZs being developed under the CPEC. The Rashakai Economic Zone, M-1, Nowshera, is at the junction of the Karakoram corridor and the ML-1 development corridor, about an hour’s drive from either Islamabad or Peshawar. The China Special Economic Zone Dhabeji, which is located in the province of Sindh at a distance of around 55 km from Karachi, covers 1,000 acres of land
The Bostan Industrial Zone, located in Bostan, Balochistan province, covers another 1,000 acres of land, while the Allama Iqbal Industrial City (M3) in Faisalabad covers 3,000 acres of land. The ICT Model Industrial Zone, Islamabad covers approximately 200-500 acres of land and the Industrial Park, situated at Port Qasim in Karachi, is being developed on 1,500 acres of land. Two Special economic zones have also been created in Azad Kashmir (Mirpur) and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Mohmand Marble City). Lastly, there’s also an SEZ in Gilgit-Baltistan at Maqpoondas, which covers 250 acres of land and will link Gilgit with Skardu.
Allama Iqbal Industrial City
Faisalabad, often referred to as the “Manchester of Pakistan” due to its robust textile and thread manufacturing industry, significantly contributes to Punjab’s GDP by over 20%. It also constitutes 5% of the country’s GDP. The city is 605 feet above sea level, and the average temperature of Faisalabad ranges between 39°C and 27°C. January is the coldest month, while June is recorded as the hottest month. The average annual rainfall is only about 375 mm (14.8 in), and half of it occurs in the monsoon season.
The city boasts an international airport, extensive railway networks, and major road infrastructures, including the M3 motorway. The ongoing construction of a four-lane motorway connecting Faisalabad to other major cities further underscores its strategic importance. These advancements are expected to enhance industrial tourism, foster economic development, and solidify Faisalabad’s industrial prominence.
Allama Iqbal Industrial City, inaugurated in 2020, is one of the primary SEZs developed under CPEC. It aims to boost industrial production and economic development by offering incentives like tax breaks, simplified regulations, and infrastructural support to attract foreign and domestic investors. Since the beginning of CPEC, there have been a variety of arguments on different platforms about its positive impact on the domestic economy.
Solid Waste Management in AIIC
There is a gap in the waste management facilities in the SEZs and this waste has a certain effect on the health of the people living around these areas. Pakistan is producing tons of solid waste, out of which just 60% is collected and the remaining 40% is leftover, which is causing serious hazards for the people of Pakistan.
Faisalabad is an industrial centre with many textile mills, large agricultural processing plants, electronic equipment, and furniture industries. The population of the city is around 3,800,193, spreading over 118 union councils and approximately producing 1600 tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) with a 0.45 kg per capita per day rate. Most of the municipal solid waste is dumped at random sites near populated areas, creating both health hazards and environmental concerns.
Different issues, like the rapid urbanization, which has led to numerous problems, including escalating solid waste management issues in cities. The shift from agriculture to urban living, driven by job-seeking migration and recent flooding, has strained city infrastructure, causing overpopulation and poor sanitation. Urbanization has also accelerated industrial growth, contributing significantly to urban waste.
Pakistan is already facing the problem of improper solid waste management and producing 32.6 million metric tons of municipal solid waste per annum with an average waste generation rate of 0.43 kg per capita per day. Only 50 to 60 percent of the waste is collected by the municipalities and a small chunk of this is recycled while the rest remains there. This affects the lives of the people and poses a major threat to the environment in the area.
Hence, there is a need for the development of a proper waste management mechanism in CPEC, especially in the SEZs, so that it does not harm the local communities. However, the debate on the need for appropriate waste management systems and the impact of development in the absence of a proper framework remains ongoing, with significant implications for environmental sustainability, public health, and economic efficiency.
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