Sindh Water Commission has recommended short-term and long-term measures to resolve the water, sanitation, solid waste management & environment issues of metropolis in particular and province in general before the end of its mandate on January 15, 2019 as per the directives of the Supreme Court. The commission - formed on the orders of the apex court in a more than 180 pages report recommended.
In solid waste area, the commission recommended the establishment of six Garbage Transfer (GT) Stations in Karachi on modem scientific lines. The scheme has been included in the ADP of 2018-19 and requires follow up and implementation by Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB).
It also recommended development and transformation of Landfill Sites at jam Chakro and Gond pass to meet the international standards. An ADP scheme has already been included in the ADP-2018- 19. The SSWMB should carry out Waste-to-Energy Projects through ADP schemes during the current financial year 2018/19.
On water related area, the commission recommended that issues related to K-IV project must be addressed and resolved by both provincial and federal governments on priority.
It also recommended Karachi Water & Sewerage Board (KW&SB) to prepare water distribution and sanitation master plan to meet existing and future demand of the city. The commission recommended that water losses, which consume about a quarter of Karachi's total water resource, must be checked on top priority. The Government of Sindh should come up with a substantive plan in this regard.
It also recommended that flow meters at all important water supply stations shall be put in place by 30th June 2019. In addition, KW&SB shall submit a plan for installing flow meters through its supply system within a year.
KW&SB should ensure dissemination of real-time water flow data for public information through its website by 31st July 2019. 36"-dia Water Supply Scheme from Pipri to Malir, which is in progress, be completed by December, 2019.
It also recommended that 100 MGD Dhabeji pumping station should be completed by March 31st, 2019. 18 R O Plants in Karachi to be fully operationalized by the end of January 2019. The Government of Sindh should put in place a Centralized Complaint Redressal Cell (CCC) at the Commissioner's office to address public complaints related to all civic issues in Karachi.
The commission recommended that stage-wise deadlines given for completion/ rehabilitation of Treatment Plants TP-1 (March, 2019 & July 2019) and TP-III (Dee 2019) should be adhered to. TP-IV should be completed by as per project schedule i.e. December 31, 2020.
Defence Housing Authority (DHA) to complete and operationalize 2.0 MGD treatment Plant at the Seaview by 30th April 2019. People of Karachi suffer the unhealthy and unhygienic conditions at the Seaview beach due to sewerage disposal from various DHA phases. DHA will ensure that no untreated waste water is discharged into the sea through Seaview area after completion of the above treatment plan is April 2019.
In order to treat the sewerage flowing from DHA Phases II, IV and VII, DHA should link Mehmoodabad drain to TP-IV, before its commissioning, at its own cost. A 100 MGD TP-V, on Mai Kolachi Road, has been envisaged to cater to the sewerage flowing from Pitcher Nala, Kalri Nala, Nehre- Khayam, Cantonment and DHA areas.
This plant has been committed by Karachi Port Trust (KPT) in two years' time. The matter regarding land, after seeking consent from KPT and GOS, was referred to Supreme Court through a reference. The KPT shall take action as directed by Supreme Court.
Combined Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP), SITE Nooriabad, as approved by the P&D Board, should be completed and operationalized by June, 2019, the commission recommended and suggested that the schemes of construction of Combined Effluent Treatment Plants, SITE Hyderabad and Sukkur have been initiated at the cost of Rs 4500 million & 325 million, respectively.
The work should be completed by December, 2019 subject to budgetary allocation.
Storm water drains need regular de-silting. The KMC be reminded to clear all storm water drains before monsoon in 2019.
About environment, the commission recommended SEPA needs a complete overhaul by strengthening its physical, technical and academic capacity. The government should take steps in this regard.
The commission recommended the Government of Sindh to take steps towards strengthening and establishment of environmental laboratories to carry out research and development on the environment issues in the province. The matter shall he addressed in the next budget.
SEPA should complete the survey of all industrial areas, categorize the units and prepare a data-base for effective mentoring and control. The task shall be completed by June 2019.
The commission recommended that all those industrial units which have submitted an undertaking before the commission of construction of Pre-treatment plants or Septic Tanks must adhere to the timeline granted by the commission.
It recommended that remaining units, which require to construct a Pretreatment plant or septic tank, whatever the case be according to EPA Provisions, must fulfill the requirement within four months' time.
The commission recommended that Combined Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP) are extremely vital for environment. Planning & Development Board should expedite the work on Combined Effluent Treatment plants immediately.