DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for environment, forests and climate change on Thursday stressed the need for enhanced cooperation from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and donors to tackle the challenges of environmental pollution and climate change in the province.
He directed the establishment of a dedicated cell for this purpose in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) head office in Peshawar.
Chairing a high-level meeting at the EPA, Peer Musavir Khan was briefed by EPA Director General Samiullah on the agency’s ongoing reforms and pollution control initiatives. He was informed that four regional EPA offices actively monitor industrial and hospital waste management, with strict enforcement of environmental protection laws. A key focus of the meeting was air pollution from brick kilns, prompting the transition to zig-zag technology, with proper training for workers. Additionally, pollution control systems have been implemented in nine cement factories and fifty steel industries, while GIS mapping of 3,600 industrial units has been completed.
To enhance public engagement, a complaint resolution desk has been set up at the EPA headquarters, and a centralized monitoring committee has been formed to enforce environmental regulations. The Environmental Protection Tribunal has already resolved 3,800 cases.
In an effort to raise awareness, green clubs have been established in schools and colleges, and new regional laboratories will soon be operational in Abbottabad, Mingora, and Dera Ismail Khan. The Special Assistant also reviewed actions taken against non-compliant industrial units and directed authorities to streamline the No Objection Certificate (NOC) issuance process, ensuring transparency and accessibility.
