The Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Qaim Ali Shah has said that Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has always accorded due importance to environment. He was speaking as chief guest at a seminar held at a local hotel on Thursday in connection with the World Environment Day.
The chief minister pointed out that environment is a very important subject and that we need to take immediate and effective measures in the right direction. He said that the Pakistan People's Party has always accorded due importance to environment so much so that it has been included in the 'five E's' in the manifesto.
It means that environment is one of the five top most priorities of the government and as such a comprehensive policy will be formulated to address all environmental issues, and the same will be implemented effectively and promptly, he said. He pointed out that Pakistan is a signatory to many international conventions pertaining to biological diversity, climate change, and desertification.
The chief minister was of the view that since there are a number of stakeholders involved, it is also important that whatever steps are taken should be taken after taking input from all of them. It would thus be a co-ordinated effort and hence the probability of proper implementation and getting positive results would increase.
Qaim said that the relationship between 'environment' and 'the existence of life' is so vital that health and education, though very important subjects become secondary. He stated that environment has a direct bearing on the health of the people and if we want to have a healthy community contributing positively in all sectors, it is of prime importance that we should all play a role in reducing environmental degradation.
The chief minister said that the majority of our population either resides in the rural areas or in the urban suburbs. And we know that they are the people who do not have access to proper sanitation, clean drinking water, or clean air. As a result an already economically deprived segment of the population becomes further deprived and becomes vulnerable to disease and other environmental hazards.
Qaim Ali Shah declared that PPP government would make all out efforts to provide relief to such people. He said that the main legislation in the field of environment is the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997 and the rules and regulations made thereunder. He was also aware about the inadequacies of this law and the requirement to review and revise the environmental laws.
The chief minister said that the environment being a subject on the concurrent list requires appropriate legislation, which should be more specific to each and every sector contributing to environmental degradation. He said, he expects that the environment department under the guidance of the experienced and knowledgeable minister would come up with proposals in coordination with other concerned administrative departments and the law department.
He said he has also been told that the Environment Tribunal in Sindh is not functional, as the new chairman of the tribunal has not been notified. The matter would be taken up immediately so that this important forum is available for effective action under the relevant laws.
Speaking about the industrial sector, Qaim Ali Shah said that there can't be two opinions that industry along with the agriculture sector is a very important part of our economy. It not only provides an industrial base for the country, but also contributes immensely to our economy. Further, it is the largest employer in the private sector providing jobs to the people of the country.
He said that we are also aware that the industry is not working in ideal conditions. Shortage of power and water and other infrastructure are highly discouraging factors for our industrialists. Law and order situations have also caused setbacks in our province. Red tapism and bureaucratic procedures and corruption also are a source of harassment.
As such there is a need to adopt a co-ordinated approach by taking the representative trade and industry bodies on board. The federal government and the provincial government along with the management of industrial areas and the industrialists should all contribute and ensure that effective treatment plants and other mitigating measures are taken to reduce environmental degradation of our natural resources such as rivers, canals, air, land, and sea.
Qaim Ali Shah said that air pollution, especially in cities is primarily caused by the public service vehicles as they mostly comprise of old vehicles whose engines are not in good condition. But again we are aware that this is the only transport system available for the general public. And we also see daily that there is a shortage of public transport and people are forced to travel on the roofs.
As such there is a necessity to promote mass transit systems in Karachi, Hyderabad and other cities. It is heartening to note that steps are being taken in this direction in Karachi. The transport department in the provincial government should take initiative to stimulate and facilitate district governments in this regard.
Induction of CNG buses and rickshaws should be expedited. The implementation of the federal government scheme to introduce CNG buses in Karachi should be taken up on a fast track basis and all impediments should be removed in this regard.
The chief minister stated that the third major area of concern is the release of untreated sewage in the River Indus and its canals and ultimately in the sea. Karachi and Hyderabad already have some capacity in this regard and it is encouraging to hear about the S-3 project being implemented in Karachi.
But regarding other districts, there is no system in place. The domestic sewage in all district and Taluka headquarters is released without any treatment. As a result, our major lakes and all other water bodies have become contaminated and this contaminated water is used for drinking purposes in all downstream cities and towns. The district governments do not have financial resources or the technical expertise to attend to this issue.
Qaim Ali Shah said that it is imperative that the local government department in coordination with the environment department should conceive a scheme through which all districts in the interior of Sindh are assisted in phases.
He said that the quality of ground water is also a cause of concern especially where access to surface water is limited. This is mainly due to excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides. The departments of local government, agriculture and environment should take co-ordinated and integrated approach to minimise the threats and hazards due to this contamination.
Qaim Ali Shah said that the role of the environment department is of vital importance because they have to act as a pushing and proactive force, not only for the enforcement of environmental laws, but also to act as a facilitator for all the sectors.