SEPA thwarts unsafe dumping of chemicals
Dumping of garbage and sewage into the capital’s natural streams have spoiled the natural beauty of the city. PHOTO: FILE
The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) caught four trucks loaded with poisonous pesticides and expired medicines during an operation, carried out on a tip-off, in Port Qasim, Malir on Monday.
According to SEPA Karachi acting director Waris Ali Gabol, the confiscated pesticides and medicines were being shifted to be dumped without following the necessary guidelines, instead of being incinerated as required.
"Following the directives of the United Nations, all poisonous pesticides from across the country should be brought to Karachi and disposed of properly at the incineration plant in the city," explained Gabol. "The seized pesticides may have caused huge damage for future generations if action had not been taken against these violations."
He stated that that the harmful chemicals could damage the environment if they were dumped openly or in the sea without being treated, adding that the effects could impact the atmosphere for several years to come.
He said that the Sindh Chief Minister adviser on the environment and other senior officials had been informed about the operation for further legal action.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 13th, 2020.