The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has urged all banks operating in Sindh province to take immediate action to address air and noise pollution caused by generators in their premises by adopting green technologies like shifting to solar energy.
Being forerunners of corporate social responsibility, the banks, SEPA said ought to set an example for improving the urban environment by upgrading to greener technologies for power generation.
"Air pollution is a major health threat, especially in urban areas like Karachi," said Naeem Ahmed Mughal, Director General of SEPA. "Generators deployed by banks are significant contributors to this problem, emitting harmful pollutants and excessive noise."
The letter issued to all banks, highlights the dangers of air pollution, ranking it as the fourth-leading cause of death globally. It emphasises the impact on public health, particularly for children and the elderly, and the economic consequences of poor air quality.
The letter specifically points to generator emissions, including nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and sulphur dioxide. These pollutants, primarily from diesel fuel combustion, contribute to smog formation and pose significant health risks.
SEPA urges banks to implement mitigation measure by upgrading generators. Adopting cleaner technologies with improved emission controls and noise reduction features is suggested. Shifting to renewable energy by installing solar panels for a sustainable and cleaner energy source might help.
The letter emphasizes the importance of complying with SEPA's air and noise pollution standards. Banks are advised to test generator emissions and noise levels and utilize laboratories certified by SEPA to ensure compliance. They are suggested to prepare for inspections as SEPA monitoring teams will be conducting citywide inspections.
They have been warned that non-compliance with environmental regulations may result in legal action under the Sindh Environmental Protection Act 2014.
SEPA concludes by requesting bank officials to take responsibility for improving Karachi's air quality. The release provides access to a list of certified laboratories on the SEPA website.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 2nd, 2024.
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