Daily Times

KARACHI: The judicial commission has asked the provincial commerce and industries department’s secretary to submit a comprehensive report on handling and disposal of industrial toxic effluent.

Headed by Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro the commission of inquiry into the government’s failure to provide safe drinking water and sanitation facilities directed the secretary to submit a comprehensive report regarding the mode and manner of the disposal of industrial effluent across Sindh, his department’s role to monitor its disposal and its spending and action, if any, taken against any industry for violating the law regulating the disposal of industrial effluent. He is required to submit the report by Jan 30.

The additional chief secretary informed the commission that a notification has been issued on Jan 24 for setting up of a committee to visit and see the pace of work at the combined effluent treatment plant at SITE Kotri. The committee would submit its report within five working days.

Only after it submits the report, he would be able to make a statement about the exact date of making the plant operational, said the secretary.

The commission also deliberated on the issue of the proliferation of high-rises and multi-storey buildings putting burden on already strained basic civic amenities.

During the previous proceedings, Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB)’s managing director had raised the issue of Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) issuing building approval plans to high-rises without following rules and regulations, thus causing multiple problems with regard to provision of potable water and sanitation facilities.

In response to the notice, the SBCA director general turned up before the commission and candidly admitted that SBCA was issuing the plans without taking KWSB and the Sindh Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) on board since 2002.

He, however, could not explain as to how SBCA would approve building plans for raising multi-storey buildings without a feasibility plan by KWSB to provide potable water and address sanitation issue. The DG SBCA sought time to submit a written report spelling out all necessary details, including whether or not charges were being levied to ensure a proper scheme in building construction plan to provide water and proper sewerage facilitates.

He would also explain as to whether there was any mechanism which SBCA adopts for provision of water and sanitation facilities.

“Till such a report is submitted, SBCA will not issue any building approval plan for construction of high-rises and multi-storey buildings except for a residential unit,” he assured the commission.

Moreover, the commission ahs also issued notices to the chief executive officer of the Karachi, Clifton, Malir, Faisal, Korangi Creek and Manhora Cantonment Boards to show up to explain as to how they ensure proper provision of potable water and sewerage facilities in their respective jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, Mansoor, the son of the chairman of All Pakistan Textile Processing Association, told the commission that industrial units registered with the association do not discharge any hazardous or toxic effluent. SEPA’s managing director and Suleman Chandio, the amicus curiae, contradicted his statement, saying the textile processing industries produce toxic and hazardous effluent containing Greasy wool, waste cotton, dyes, caustic solutions.

To which, he sought time to submit a proper report in this regard by Jan 28.