‘Govt committed to disposing chemical waste effectively’

Disposal of waste material had been causing significant harm to human health, environment, says minister

Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul Wazir said that the incumbent government is committed to protecting public health and environment from devastating impacts of chemicals and hazardous waste materials through their management in a scientific manner.

Addressing a national event in collaboration with United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on Thursday, the state minister noted that management of hazardous waste materials in improper and unscientific manner over the years in the country and their collection, treatment, and disposal of waste material had been causing significant harm to human health and the environment.

“But now we have launched efforts for implementation of an overarching project for strengthening national capacity for chemical and hazardous waste management in a way that meets global guidelines to regulate the practice of hazardous-waste management for protecting people and the environment of the country,” revealed Zartaj Gul Wazir.

She explained that hazardous wastes can take the form of solids, liquids, sludges, or contained gases, and are generated primarily by chemical production, manufacturing, and other industrial activities.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 7^th, 2022.