NOC mandatory from BEPA before construction
PHOTO: REUTERS
Chief Minister of Balochistan Jam Kamal has directed the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency to enact legislation to make it mandatory to obtain a No Objection Certificate in major construction projects in the private and public sectors.
The decision was taken during a meeting presided over by CM Kamal in order to review the affairs of the provincial Environmental Protection Department.
The chief minister further directed appointment of Technical Representative of Environment Department as Permanent Member in DSC and PDWP forums for approval of projects in the Planning and Development Department.
Secretary Environment and Environmental Protection Abdul Saboor Kakar briefed the meeting on departmental matters and proposed reforms.
"Climate change poses a serious threat to the environment thus the use of modern technology and reforms in the field of environment is needed to deal effectively with the environmental challenges," the provincial chief executive said stressed upon further growth of the environment department in order to create an ample scope for skilled posts in the department.
"Revolutionary development in the construction sector is expected under the incentives given by the federal government while the government of Balochistan is also pursuing development plans for coastal and other areas. A comprehensive policy needs to be formulated to regulate this development process and make it environmentally friendly," the CM directed.
The meeting further reviewed the formation of the Sustainable Development Fund, the role of the BEPA and the service rules of the department were also reviewed apart from approving important decisions in this regard.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 12th, 2020.