The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has expressed its disapproval of the car and cement manufacturing plants over non-compliance with green laws and in this regard the authority has also fixed separate hearings to inquire about the position of companies.
SEPA Director General Naeem Ahmed Mughal visited different automobile industrial units on Tuesday, including that of Kia Motors and Master Motors, to inspect whether their operations were consistent with the Sindh Environmental Protection Act 2014 and its rules.
According to a statement issued by a spokesperson for the Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Development Department, Sindh, Mughal had a discussion with the management of Kia Motors with regard to compliance with environmental laws.
During the meeting, he directed the management to adopt water conservation and zero discharge practices for sustainable use of water. He also called for adopting an effective solid waste management system as well as pollution control measures to improve environmental conditions at the plant.
During the visit to Master Motors’ plant, it was observed that the factory flouted the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study and violated Section 17 of the Sindh Environmental Protection Act 2014.
Similarly, operational activities at the plant also failed to comply with the Environmental Protection Act 2014 and its rules, stated the spokesperson.
Mughal expressed displeasure over the company management due to environmental issues, non-compliance with and violation of the Act.
Furthermore, the director general fixed a hearing to inquire about its position over violation of the Environmental Protection Act 2014.
During the day, a SEPA team also visited the newly constructed coal yard of DG Khan Cement factory.
At the coal storage yard, the SEPA team noted insufficient environment protection arrangements, which were resulting in a high concentration of dust emissions and particulate matters in the environment.
On the issue, the SEPA management fixed a personal hearing, said the statement.
In addition to that, the SEPA director general visited different industrial units at Port Qasim and they were directed to follow environmental laws and SEPA rules.
The spokesperson added that failure to comply with them would result in stern action under the SEPA Act.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 3rd, 2021.
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