Wahab orders action against violators of environmental laws

Directs SEPA officials to complete legal proceedings against factories recycling medical waste

KARACHI: Adviser to Sindh Chief Minister on Law, Environment and Coastal Development Barrister Murtaza Wahab ordered action against the violators of environmental laws and regulations while presiding over a Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) meeting on Thursday.

Addressing the meeting, he underscored that everyone had a moral and legal obligation to comply with environmental laws and urged those disregarding the laws to rectify their approach.

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In light of these views, he directed SEPA officials to take action against those found to be violating environmental laws, particularly those involved in the manufacture of banned plastic bags.

"Take [strict] action against the manufacturers of non-biodegradable bags, from Karachi to Kashmore," he said, addressing the agency's officials.

Wahab also directed SEPA officials to complete legal proceedings against factories where hospital waste was being recycled and seal them.

‘Climate change adversely affecting agriculture sector’

He was informed during the meeting that an operation against smoke-emitting vehicles was being carried out in Karachi, during which the owners of several vehicles were fined. At this, Wahab instructed the officials to increase the number of checking points in the city and ensure that heavy fines were imposed on the owners of these vehicles.

The adviser to the CM also ordered a crackdown on factories where tyres were being burnt as fuel, calling for strict action against those involved in spreading air pollution.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 20^th, 2019.