Air Quality Crisis: Many Areas Now Facing ‘Very Unhealthy’ Pollution Levels, Warns CM’s Adviser

The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) recently held a seminar called “Environmental Governance and Sustainability Challenges in Sindh” at the Beach Luxury Hotel in Karachi.

This event brought together environmental experts, industrial leaders, government officials, and various stakeholders. Some participants even joined the discussions online via Zoom. The main goal was to tackle the environmental issues facing Sindh and to explore possible solutions.

Dost Muhammad Rahimoon, the Advisor to the Chief Minister on Environment and Climate Change, opened the seminar. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving environmental governance and spoke about the need to enforce regulations effectively. Rahimoon stressed the importance of raising public awareness and developing key policies to promote sustainability.

He also pointed out urgent problems such as plastic waste, solid waste management, marine pollution, and industrial emissions. Rahimoon highlighted that air pollution in some areas is dangerously high, and many water sources are unsafe for drinking.

The advisor called on industries to adopt environmentally friendly practices and take responsibility for minimizing pollution.

Naeem Ahmed Mughal, the Director General of Sepa, delivered the keynote speech, sharing findings from the latest environmental survey. This study revealed serious air and water pollution issues throughout Sindh.

Secretary Agha Shah Nawaz discussed the government’s ongoing efforts to protect the environment. He mentioned challenges like pollution, noise, and poor waste management that threaten the province’s rich natural resources.

Experts at the seminar emphasized that environmental sustainability is a shared responsibility. It requires active involvement from industries, citizens, and civil society groups.

To combat these challenges, the government is implementing various initiatives. These include enhancing environmental monitoring, improving waste management systems, protecting coastal areas, and introducing policies for sustainable urban planning. Everyone agreed on the need for eco-friendly practices and strict adherence to environmental laws.

The seminar ended with a ceremony to honor speakers and experts who contributed to the discussions, acknowledging their dedication to environmental protection.