Pollution control: Govt criticised over environmental problem

Court demands action against illegal tree felling, release of poisonous gases within 15 days.


Umer Farooq October 18, 2012

PESHAWAR:


The Peshawar High Court’s (PHC) ‘green bench’ has expressed deep concern over the government’s attitude towards environmental issues in the area.


The court issued a notice to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), seeking explanation about why action had not been taken against those involved in the ‘ruthless’ and illegal cutting of trees.

The PHC division bench comprising Chief Justice (CJ) Dost Muhammad Khan and Justice Mrs Irshad Qaisar held the government responsible, saying it had failed to fulfil its legal obligations.

The bench further said that the government is not following a commitment made in an environmental summit held in Rome in 1956 to keep the environment clean.

“People are freely cutting trees and destroying greenery, while officials are not bothering to take action against them,” CJ Khan said. He ordered the EPA Director General Dr Bashir to register complaints within 15 days against anyone involved in environmental crimes.

The bench also issued a show-cause notice against the transport secretary asking him to appear before the court in person and explain why he had failed to suspend permits of all vehicles omitting smoke and polluting the environment.

CJ Khan directed the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chief secretary, environment secretary and chief conservator of forests to immediately bring an end to the illegal activities being carried out. He also said that if the government and other powerful institutions are involved in this they would be dealt with in accordance with law.

The court further directed the inspector general of police, deputy inspector generals, district police officers and superintendents along with all district coordination officers to support the EPA otherwise they too would be held responsible for harming the environment.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 18th, 2012.

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