The Sindh High Court (SHC) has adjourned the hearing on the petition objecting to the dumping of crude oil and industrial waste into the sea, following the submission of a report by the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA).
The director of SEPA presented the report during the court proceedings.
According to the report, SEPA conducted a visit to the Defense Housing Authority (DHA) Phase- VIII treatment facility in compliance with the court orders. Samples were collected by the SEPA team in the presence of the shift in-charge of the treatment plant. The report emphasises the need for sewage treatment plants to be set up in institutions with available space.
Additionally, it urges the District Health Officer (DHO) to complete the construction of the remaining three sewage treatment plants. Furthermore, the report highlights that DHA has provided assurances to the Karachi Water and Sewage Board (KWSB) regarding the construction of three sewage treatment plants.
The report also underscores the collaborative efforts of industrial associations and industry departments in establishing treatment plants for industrial waste. It warns that industries failing to comply with the treatment requirements will face legal consequences.
During the court proceedings, the petitioner requested time to review the SEPA report. As a result, the court has postponed further hearings until August 16.
The petition, filed by concerned parties, claims that the continuous discharge of industrial waste, sewage, and other pollutants has led to contamination of the sea.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 26th, 2023.
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