The air and noise is on the increase in the metropolis, which is affecting the health of the people. This was stated by the Sindh Minister for Environment, Dr Sagheer Ahmed, here on September 15. He said that the need of the hour is to tackle this very problem.
The Minister was of the views that ban on plying of two stroke rickshaws and heavy traffic on busy roads would help reduce air and noise pollution. He said that such a restriction at present is from Sohrab Goth to Tower; Shahrah Pakistan, S.M. Toufiq Road, M.A. Jinnah Road to Tower. Later on, this will be extended to busy roads like Share Faisal. Dr Sagheer pointed out that discouraging two stroke rickshaws would help reduce environmental pollution. At the same time the CNG four-stroke rickshaws would be encouraged.
The incentives provided by the government would also enable the gradual conversion of two stroke rickshaws into four strokes ones.
The Minister made it very clear that the government do not want to render anyone jobless. However, these can be no compromise on the collective harm to the health of the people. He said that the additional time given by the Governor of Sindh was aimed at gradual conversion of two stroke rickshaws to four stroke ones.
Dr Sagheer said that the government is extending full cooperation in this regard. Under the 'Rozgar' Scheme of President Pervez Musharraf, National Bank is extending loans on easy terms. Guidance is also being provided to the transporters' organisations.
He further pointed out that gradual ban on plying of two stroke rickshaws on busy roads would also help overcome the problem of traffic jams. The Minister said that completion of development projects initiated by the City District Government Karachi (CDGK), repair and renovation work at the main roads and removal of encroachments will also ease the flow of traffic and reduce air and noise pollution.