More than a week after Eidul Azha, residents across Karachi continue to grapple with the foul smell of decomposing animal waste, raising questions about the effectiveness of post-Eid sanitation measures, Dawn reported. The unpleasant odour has been reported from several areas, including Nazimabad, Karimabad, Teen Hatti, Guru Mandir, Numaish, Orangi Town, Korangi, District South, District East, and District West. Locals claim that animal remains are still lying unattended at some garbage collection points, while several cleaned sites were not properly disinfected.

During a survey, Dawn found decomposing waste in parts of Nazimabad and Orangi Town. Commuters passing through Karimabad, Teen Hatti, and Guru Mandir also complained that the smell persisted even after waste had been removed from many collection spots. A refrigerator repair technician from Orangi Town described how the stench had disrupted daily life. He said even eating indoors had become difficult, recalling how he initially believed spoiled food was causing the smell before realising it was coming from nearby garbage dumps.

Residents in and around Numaish accused civic authorities of failing to thoroughly clean and sanitise areas after removing sacrificial waste. In Sector 15-C of Orangi Town, animal remains were reportedly found near the boundary wall of a government girls’ college, triggering health concerns among residents. Near Lasbela Chowk, a woman criticised both the public and authorities, saying citizens should have disposed of waste only at designated collection points while officials should have ensured proper inspections and cleanup operations.

Zeeshan, a private company employee who travels daily across Karachi, said hardly any part of the city seemed completely free from the lingering stench. Experts told Dawn that merely removing waste is often not enough, as blood and organic matter seep into roads and soil, making thorough washing and the use of disinfectants, bleach, or lime necessary to remove odours and minimise disease risks.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.