SEPA shuts down over 100 illegal brick kilns

Claims emissions exceeded limits set by Sindh Environmental Quality Standards

KARACHI: The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has stopped operations of more than 100 illegal brick kilns in Yousuf Brohi Goth of Khuda Ki Basti one of the neighborhoods in Gadap Town.

According to a statement issued on Monday, the technical team of SEPA carried out a raid, with the help of local police, at small-scale brick kilns which were burning pieces of used tyres and clothes as fuel, causing alarming levels of air pollution in the surrounding areas.

The SEPA team which was headed by Regional Office Director Dr Ashique Ali Langah took action for the closure of all illegal brick kilns soon after confirming their lack of authorisation to manufacture bricks. Besides, reads the statement, their emissions were exceeding the permissible limits as set by Sindh Environmental Quality Standards (SEQS).

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According to the Sindh Environmental Protection Act, 2014, the environment protection agency is authorised to take action against those polluting activities which are legally being carried out by any legal entity. While those working illegally for conducting any type of service or manufacturing operation do not fall under the regulatory ambit of SEPA.

However, said an internal source, SEPA in compliance with the orders of superior authorities, responded to public complaints lodged by those in the surrounding areas of the brick kilns, and went an extra step from its domain by closing the operations of these illegal brick manufacturing units which were causing massive air pollution.

According to sources of the Sindh Government, the responsibility of taking action against illegal manufacturing units falls under the Sindh Industries Department which usually does not work diligently in the field and this time SEPA relieved it by performing its duty.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 3^rd, 2019.