Pakistan, like many other countries around the world, is no stranger to global warming. Owing to the presence of the Arabian Sea nearby and its location below sea level, global warming has adversely affected the monsoon season in the city. The rain that Karachi receives is because of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean in the Southern hemisphere. "The effect of global warming in the past decade has been so adverse that increasing global temperatures have led to early precipitation. This has resulted in uneven and irregular rainfall patterns," Mohammad Riaz, Chief Meteorologist at the Meteorological office in Karachi told Kolachi.

Riaz explained that the change in precipitation is not just specific to Karachi – in fact the trend is the same all over the world. It is because of this global change that the monsoon pattern in Sindh has also been affected. Typically, the monsoon season is from July to September but this is slowly changing, he added. "This year, an earlier monsoon was expected as it has already rained in the Punjab and interior Sindh," said Riaz.

While Nawabshah has already received 19mm of rainfall – an encouraging sign for Karachiites – Riaz said that rain will not be as enjoyable as it used to be given the irregularities in the monsoon season. This in turn is the result of the heating of the water reservoirs throughout the world. "Previously, there used to be light rainfall for an extended period of time but the trend has changed –now there is heavy rainfall in a short period of time," Riaz explained.

The adverse changes in the monsoons will probably have several adverse effects on Sindh. A research conducted by the Scripps Institute of Oceanography along with the Desert Research Institute in Nevada shows that massive changes in climate are connected to the shift of seasonal monsoons to the southern part of the world. This means that there has been excessive rainfall over the oceans rather than the Earth's tropical regions, thus leading to decreased vegetation cover. Keeping in mind that Pakistan is an agrarian economy, such changes do not bode well for farmers in the country. "What we need to control is 'local warming' and attending conferences on global environmental issues won't help till we control the warming in our city and country," said Dr Saeed Iqbal, former Director General (DG) Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa).

Dr Iqbal said that if the situation is not dealt with properly, it will greatly damage the country's economy. The monsoons expected in the coming years will be heavy and will be accompanied by thunderstorms. However, that will make no difference to the barren land, he explained. As rainfall will be more and more intense each year, marine life (particularly mangroves) will be adversely affected. "All crops in the interior Sindh will be ruined if the monsoons arrive early," he added.

Moreover, since farmers are unaware of the weather changes, they sow the seeds and wait for the rain. Thus, they have no idea that a disaster is headed their way till it's too late. "Pakistan lies on the equator because of which we only have warm water (not frozen water) so we don't have stable water reservoirs. All we have is rainfall. Thus, the local governments in Sindh as well as the environment agencies should inform the farmers about the climatic changes." 

He stressed that apart from local pollutants such as industrial waste in the sea, the fumes spewing out of the sugar industries in Sindh and increase in vehicles on the road also contribute to local warming. "The only way to protect ourselves is by 'cooling' down the environment," added Dr Iqbal.

This year, monsoons in Karachi are arriving before time and while this may not be good news, we also need to realise that the changes in Karachi's weather is because of the havoc we have wreaked. The monsoons, previously seen as a blessing, may prove extremely damaging if we don't take care of the environment we live in,warn experts.

As the weather turns cloudy in the city indicating that monsoon season is just around the corner, most Karachiites find themselves feeling apprehensive especially since the 2007 monsoons in the city were a bad exprience. From stagnant rainwater that was not suctioned out of the residential areas for days to people having to brave the downpour, abandon their cars on flooded streets and walk home, the monsoons of 2007 will probably never been forgotten. Two years later, there are speculations about whether or not the newly constructed storm water drains and the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) will be able to take on the challenge.

The concerned authorities, however, say there is nothing to worry about this year. "The storm water drains in Defence are quite effective," Colonel Rafat Naqvi, the spokesperson for Defence Housing Authority (DHA) told Kolachi. "In 2007, there was no outlet for rainwater so the streets started to flood. Now, the DHA has constructed Main Trunk Drains (MTDs) and interceptor drains." Colonel Naqvi explained that the MTDs will divert the water into the Arabian Sea which will minimise all the chances of flooding – and at a whopping cost of Rs2.2 billion (for the entire drainage system of the area), it really should. The only areas, added Colonel Naqvi that may experience slight flooding are those having natural depressions (Phase 5, for example) but arrangements for sucking out water from there have already been made and a sanitation force allocated.

Still, the DHA's storm water drain project is far from perfect: several drains are located in the middle of the street rather than on the side (which is the norm all over the world). A case in point is Khayaban-e-Shamsheer that leads to Sea View and the ever-popular 26th Street in Defence. With drains that have been placed in the middle, the street has been rendered uneven, and driving across it is difficult, if not impossible. "You have to keep in mind that this system was completed in six months so there are still some things that need to be worked on," explains Colonel Naqvi. "Besides, there are underground gas and electricity lines that are passing through these streets from the side so we had no choice but to make the drains in the middle."

KESC preparation

The KESC, on the other hand, is not so sure about its ability to handle the rain. While the KESC spokesperson Sadiq Jafri pointed out that the generation plants and grid stations have been sealed to prevent the seepage of rainwater, he also emphasised that the Corporation's infrastructure is 96 years old, which cannot be replaced overnight. "Our system is not fool-proof yet as far as rain is concerned but we are working on it," Jafri said while talking to Kolachi. "A total of 1,200 feeders along with 10 per cent of the jumpers have already been replaced. Then we have about 31 emergency centres in the city which contain spare parts that will only be used in case of rain-related emergencies." The situation will be better, said Jafri, in the sense that now the KESC will ensure that the power supply is not disrupted when it's raining as opposed to the past few years where "the city would receive one drop of rain and the supply would be cut off." Still, he reiterated that these things take time – more time than the Corporation's three-month preparation period prior to the arrival of the monsoons.

CBC plan

Meanwhile, the Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC) is quite confident about its rain-related measures. With new generators and pumps, according to the CBC's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Zeenat Ahmed, it is ready to take on the monsoons this year. "We have de-silted all major drains, including the newly laid drainage system and sewerage lines in the city," she added. The minutes of the CBC's rain emergency meeting held on June 26 reveal further plans in this regard – relief camps, emergency centres, and pruning of trees. But they also reveal something else: possible "pond" areas that come under the CBC's jurisdiction that are more than 'just a few'. These include some parts of Sunset Boulevard and Golf Course Road, parts of Khayaban-e-Shujaat and Khayaban-e-Hafiz, and several parts of Phase 8. While Ahmed insisted that there is enough manpower to suction out water, it remains to be seen whether or not the CBC will be able to do damage control in case of a crisis.

As far as the rest of the city is concerned, the City District Government Karachi's (CDGK) Works and Services Department remained unavailable for comment. However, according to newspaper reports, the Executive District Officer (EDO) Services, Masood Alam is reported to have said that the city government is fully prepared to take the monsoons head-on. As per the directives of the City Nazim Mustafa Kamal, all city wardens will continue patrolling low-lying areas in the various towns. Furthermore, the CDGK is also in liaison with the KESC to deal with any rain-related emergencies. The de-silting of major canals is also in place as is the availability of mechanical sweeping machines that will get rid of excess water on the streets in case of flooding.

From the mouth-watering Malai Khaja of the Bohri community to the fiery Khatti Hyderabadi Daal, Karachi is quite diverse when it comes to food. Foods specific to different ethnic communities that live in the city makes for an interesting gastronomic experience. Many of these cuisines have their roots in India and go as far back as the Mughal emperors, who at the helm of their power loved to indulge in sumptuous feasts. Today, many Karachiites experiment with the preparation of these foods, thus adding their own unique flavour to them in the process.

Hyderabadi

The Hyderabadi community,considered as experts when it comes to spicy food, is still following its centuries- old tradition to use different kinds of spices in its food. The distinctive aroma and taste of the Hyderabadi Biryani, also known as the Kachay Gosht (raw meat) ki Biryani, is a specialty. Then there is the hugely popular Bighare Baigan, a spicy eggplant curry.

While Hyderabadis are known for adding the sweet-sour flavour to their meals, they are also famous for their delectable desserts including Khoobani ka Meetha, a delicious apricot dish served with whipped cream.

Delhi

The Delhi walas are quite adept at making Nihari and the Shahi Qorma, a dish that was popular during the Mughal era. While the Delhi cuisine is famous for its variety and spice, the people hailing from Delhi also have a sweet tooth. Thus, Rabri remains their all-time favourite dessert.

Bihari

Although the origin of Bihari Kebabs can be traced to Bihar, they were first introduced in the city from Orangi town by a man named Juma Khan. Today, Bihari Kebabs are found all over the city and is an integral part of its cuisine.

Lucknavi

The food of the city of Nawabs has its own identity. The most famous of all their dishes are the Kebabs or meatballs. Some of the most delicious varieties include Shami Kebabs, Boti Kebabs and Seekh Kebabs.

Gujarati

The people of Gujarat are famous for their Rotis (bread). In fact, they consider Bhakhri (made from wheat flour, garlic chutney, onion and buttermilk) as an energy-giving meal. Another type of roti which Gujaratis are quite fond of is the Methi Thepla, also thought to be a complete meal.

South Indian

The South Indian Dosa available at different spots in the city is considered to be the staple food of the South Indians. The crispy spicy pancake, known as Masala Dosa, is one of the most consumed food items of the sub-continent.

Bombay

The Bombay Biryani is considered to be the spiciest out of all the 'shahi' rice dishes of the subcontinent. Spicy hot rice layered with lamb or chicken and potatoes is what the Bombay walas are most proud of.

Bohri

The ever-popular Daal Chawal, served with a broth-like soup known as Palidu, is a specialty of the Bohra community. On the other hand, the Bohri Khichra is quite popular as well and is similar to Haleem. Bohri excel at making sweetmeats. Of particular significance are their two desserts, Malida and Sheer Khurma.

Savoury summer in the city

Summer in Karachi lasts longest with the result that most people do whatever they can to beat the heat. It is perhaps for this reason that entrepreneurs in the city have come up with various fruit juices, milk shakes and smoothies to quench one's thirst in the sizzling summer months.

Of course, it is not just juices and milk shakes that appeal to the masses in the summer. Fruit vendors around the city also do a roaring business as do sellers of home-made ice cream (including indigenous ice cream chains such as Peshawari ice cream). Then there are those who prefer to make ice cream at home – especially mango ice cream – given the unhygienic way in which it is prepared in the market.

In any case, mango remains the favourite summer fruit among Karachiites and fruit sellers around the city vouch for that. "We have been in the fruit market for five years and deal in six different kinds of mangoes and two kinds (white and red) of watermelons. The mangoes include Langra, Chausa, Rataul (Anwar), Sindri, Neelum and Sammar Bahisht," Gul Khan and Lal Khan, the two somewhat famous brothers of the Hasan Square fruit market, told Kolachi. They added that the mangoes in question are available from mid-June and can be found in the market till the end of August. Besides mangoes and watermelons, the brothers also deal in apples, grapes and apricots.

Agha Raza Juice Shop remains a favourite among Karachiites given the wide variety of juices and milkshakes served there and is frequented by people from all over the city. "Agha Raza Juice has 15 other branches owned by different Pathan families. They can be found in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Nazimabad and Bahadurabad," said Sher Abdul Khan, Manager at Agha Raza's Nazimabad branch. Besides juices and milkshakes, the juice spot is famous for its Faludas as well. They are made in milk and cream and consist of fruit, vanilla flavoured ice cream and whipped cream. Some of its popular ice creams include pistachio, mango, strawberry and crunch. Even more enticing are the prices at which these juices, shakes and ice creams are sold. A glass of mango shake and Falsa juice is anywhere between Rs80 to Rs130.

Hyder Juice at the Sindhi Muslim Cooperative Housing Society (SMCHS) roundabout is equally popular. Having been around for 36 years now, the shop has no other branch in the city, which is what makes it unique. "Each time I visit Karachi, I make it a point to visit this place. It has been eight years now," said Omar Abdullah, a customer at Hyder Juice, while sipping on his apple juice. He further added that the best juices here are that of mango, pomegranate and Falsa. "We give customers what they want incorporating a particular style and method of preparation, " said Raza Khan, Manager at Hyder Juice.