SEPA swings into action to prevent smog in Sindh

KARACHI:

The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) is implementing measures to avert a potential smog crisis in the province, SEPA's Director General Naeem Ahmed Mughal said as he directed his team to enforce stricter regulations on major sources of air pollution.

Mughal issued the instruction at a meeting with senior SEPA officials on Wednesday. He stressed the need for action to address rising air pollution levels, particularly as winter approaches. The districts bordering Punjab are at higher risk of smog due to geographical and climatic factors, he added.

The SEPA DG expressed concern at the lack of a proactive strategy for controlling air quality, pointing out the high pollution levels in several districts, including Ghotki, Sukkur, Qambar-Shahdadkot, and Larkana. He instructed that SEPA's air pollution control mechanisms be strengthened to prevent the onset of smog.

Mughal outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing air pollution from all major sources, including vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, and open burning of waste.

He also drew attention to the growing risk of biomass-based energy production in industries, particularly in light of the ongoing energy crisis, which could worsen emissions.

"The health implications of poor air quality are dire," Mughal warned, adding that prolonged exposure to elevated pollution levels can lead to respiratory illnesses and other airborne diseases. He directed all district in-charges to prepare and submit detailed action plans outlining their efforts to control pollution within their jurisdictions.