Daily Times

KARACHI: Department of Environment, Climate Change and Costal Development Authority should take practical steps in completing the development tasks in coastal areas of districts Badin, Thatta and Sujawal in order to minimise risks in anticipation to monsoon rains and save life and property.

These words were said by the Caretaker Environment Minister Jameel Yusuf during a meeting on Thursday.

During the meeting, Jameel Yusuf directed the relevant officials to introduce tracking systems in boats of coastal fishermen to ensure their safe movement.

He further said that during monsoon, sewerage drains and storm drains should be cleaned in light of the directions issued by the Water Commission (WC).

He added that instructions should be issued to concerned authorities to dispose the waste removed from sewerage drains in appropriate places so it can be properly handled by relevant civic agencies.

The meeting was also briefed by Environment Secretary, Mukhtiar Ahmed Soomro. Soomro said that it was imperative to ensure that laws pertaining to the environment were being implemented properly. He added that implementation of environmental laws could be ensured though a joint process.

Coastal Development Authority (CDA) Director General Ishaq Mahar apprised the meeting about progress on various development schemes including 50-acre palm oil production. He informed the gathering that work with help of domestic and private sector for more projects in coastal areas was underway.

Ishaq Mahar said that there was need for efficient communication and coordination in coastal areas during monsoon season. He added that the department could benefit from contacting non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and organisations in this regard.

Naeem Mughal, the additional director general of the Environment Department said that cooperation of civil society and institutions on various schemes and programmes under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was needed to improve the environment and boost the industry in the province.

He said that after the introduction of the18th Amendment, the industrial sector, under Sindh Environmental Protection Act (SEPA), was working to ensure the swift enforcement of environmental laws and help, support and cooperation was required, in this regard, from all respective stakeholders.

Naeem Mughal added that even though the law enforcement process was slow, steps were being taken to make it effective and quick under provisions available in the law.

During the meeting, Jameel Yousuf said that all pending no objection certificates-related to industrial sector should be released after scrutiny as soon as possible. He added that promoting the industrial sector would spur up the economy of the country.

Jameel Yousuf directed environmental officers to perform their duties in accordance with law, take action against complaints and encourage the industrial sector to become more economically viable.

The caretaker environment minister said that the induction of prominent and local members possessing expertise in the field of coastal environment, would make Coastal Development Board more effective and beneficial.

Published in Daily Times, July 6^th 2018.