Environmental pollution reaches alarming level

The seriousness of the previous governments regarding the environmental factor could easily be judged from the fact that not a single meeting of Environment Protection Council had been held since last 12 years. Prime Minister of Pakistan, by virtue of his office, is the chairman of this council.

The Environment Policy was approved by the federal cabinet in July 2005 with the aim to reduce environment pollution by creating awareness among masses.

According to the report of World Health Organization (WHO), more than 30,000 people die every year from pollution-related diseases like asthma, lung cancer and bronchitis, ENT and mental disorders.

President NFEH M. Naeem Qureshi has appealed the government to implement Environment Policy in letter and spirit in consultation with all stakeholders including representative bodies.

The organization urged the government to man EPAs with technical persons and they should have latest laboratories and analytical equipment and apparatus to check pollution levels. They should work in consultation with all stakeholders including industries, representative trade and industry bodies.

At the same time NEQS should be implemented to reduce the level of pollution. Environmental Tribunals should be reactivated at once. Performance of EPAs must be monitored and their heads should be replaced with technical and professional persons.

The forum also appeal the authorities implement the long pending "mass transit system" in all major cities. In addition, all public transport buses, taxis, rickshaws and heavy duty trucks should be converted to CNG or LPG.

He said that the budget on environment has recorded an increase of 700 percent, rising from Rs 300 million to Rs 3 billion in last four years, no progress on environmental front has been witnessed.

Previous government had introduced a clean drinking water program at cost of Rs 3 billion to install water purification plants in every locality. Most of them are non-functional.