Punjab Environmental Protection Department (EPD) on Friday asked sugar mills to submit a roadmap with the department till November 10 stating what measures they are taking to control different emissions and comply with the environmental standards.
Secretary EPD Punjab Dr Zafar Nassarullah issued these directives to the millers during a consultative meeting convened by the department to review the steps taken by the sugar mills to overcome the emissions from factories contributing to smog and water pollution.
Sugar millers were led by PSMA Punjab Zone Chairman Noman A Khan. It was agreed in the meeting that after the given date whole sugar industry will be bound to comply with the environmental standards otherwise the EPD would be free to take action against violators.
Dr Nassarullah while addressing the participants said that sugar industry was playing a vital role in the national economy but at the same time insufficient measures were effecting the environment badly. He said most of the sugar mills have been found emitting toxic gases while throwing untreated waste water to the water bodies. "Such sugar mills should install wet scrubber as properly installed water treatment plants can be helpful in reducing waste water pollution," he said, and added that the EPA officials will provide technical assistance in this regard.
To a question, he said the EPA will arrange a meeting with consultants on issues pertaining to sugar industry. "All EPA officials have been ordered to treat industrialists in a polite manner while assisting them in their efforts," he added.
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