Phokara Beach Gadani Ship Breaking Yard Balochistan

The Gadani Ship-Breaking Yard is one of the largest ship-breaking yards in the world. It is located in Gadani, a coastal town in the Lasbela District of Balochistan, Pakistan, about 50 kilometers northwest of Karachi. Here are some key details:

1. Historical Background

• Established in the 1970s, Gadani was once the largest ship-breaking yard globally and a major contributor to Pakistan’s steel industry.
• During its peak in the 1980s, it employed thousands of workers and dismantled hundreds of ships annually.
• The industry declined in later decades due to competition from countries like India and Bangladesh, which offered cheaper labor and better infrastructure.

2. Operations

• Gadani specializes in dismantling decommissioned ships, including oil tankers, cargo vessels, and container ships.
• Ships are run aground on the beaches, where they are dismantled manually by workers using basic tools.
• The extracted materials, such as steel, copper, and machinery, are recycled and sold to local industries.

3. Economic Impact

• The yard is a significant source of employment for thousands of workers, many of whom migrate from other parts of Pakistan.
• It supplies a substantial portion of Pakistan’s demand for scrap metal, used primarily in the construction and manufacturing sectors.

4. Safety and Environmental Concerns

• The ship-breaking process is labor-intensive and dangerous, with frequent accidents, including explosions and fires.
• Workers often lack proper safety equipment, and there are few healthcare facilities nearby.
• The environmental impact includes oil spills, toxic waste, and contamination from hazardous materials like asbestos and heavy metals.

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5. Recent Developments

• Efforts have been made to modernize the industry and enforce stricter safety and environmental regulations.
• Competition from more advanced ship-breaking yards in India and Bangladesh continues to challenge Gadani’s global standing.
• In November 2016, a major accident occurred when an oil tanker exploded at the yard, killing over 25 workers and injuring many others. This incident highlighted the dire need for reforms.

The Gadani Ship-Breaking Yard remains an essential part of Pakistan’s economy, but modernization and improved labor conditions are necessary for its sustainable growth.