Environmental laws obligatory upon all and sundry: Murtaza

Advisor to Chief Minister for Environment, Laws and Coastal Development and Spokesman of Sindh Government Barrister Murtaza Wahab has said that it is our moral and legal obligation to follow the rules and regulation of Environmental Laws.

He further said that elements who violate environmental laws should correct their direction for healthy and friendly environment. He expressed these views while chairing over a high level meeting of the environment protection agency department. He directed the officer to gear up the departmental proceeding against violation of environmental laws and prohibit the manufacturer of non-biodegradable plastic from Karachi to Kashmore at any cost.

He also said that the hospital waste recycling factories should be sealed after legal proceedings. Provincial Advisor was informed that operation against smoke and emission of vehicles is still being carried out and hundreds of vehicles owners had been fined.

Advisor further said that number of checking points be increased at different locations of the city and heavy fine should be imposed on smoke emitting vehicles. He directed that factories which are involved in burning tyres as fuel should be raided and legal action also be immediately taken against them who were spreading air pollution and no pressure must be accepted in these regard.

"Construction Industry should ensure the compliance of environmental laws in the construction of buildings of all kinds," he concluded. The meeting was attended by Secretary Environment Khan Muhammad Mahar, Assistant Director General SEPA Waqar Phulphoto, Deputy Director SEPA and all the officers of Environment Department.