Industries to pay for pollution

Express Tribune

2 days ago

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a comprehensive plan for the restoration, management and reform of the drainage systems throughout the province.
The environmental protection department and district administrations have been strictly directed to ensure legal enforcement of the Punjab Drainage and Local Government Acts.
A province-wide operation has been approved to prevent the discharge of toxic water and chemicals into Punjab's drains. Under environmental protection guidelines, the 'polluters pay' principle will be strictly enforced, holding polluting industries accountable for environmental damage.
A ban has been imposed on the disposal of industrial and municipal waste into all drains across Punjab, including the Hadyara Drain.
As a Drainage Restoration and Management Committee commenced implementation of the measures, in the first meeting chaired by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, a detailed briefing was given on the Hadyara Drain. The environmental protection department was tasked with strict enforcement actions around the Hadyara area. A crackdown will be initiated against factories that fail to install water treatment plants and continue to discharge chemical waste into the drain.
The health department was instructed to submit a report and plan regarding public health conditions around Hadyara. WASA, along with the departments of industry and irrigation were directed to take immediate action to improve the conditions.
A survey of the drainage system across the province will be conducted to identify flaws and propose solutions.
Approval was granted for a plan to repair and upgrade the drainage system. Moreover, it was decided to enhance the wastewater management infrastructure through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
The provincial senior minister said key environmental projects have been included in the Annual Development Programme (ADP).
Meanwhile, during a meeting with Punjab Assembly Members Muhammad Ahmed Khan Leghari and Naeem Akhtar Khan Bhabha to discuss welfare projects, public problems and development issues of their constituencies, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz termed education and financial independence of the youth her top priorities. She said, "We want to bring benefits of development to every section of the province."
The MPAs thanked the chief minister for starting the construction and expansion project of the Multan-Vehari road.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed the authorities concerned to start classes in the Vehari Girls College after the summer break.
She also directed the authorities to launch a water supply scheme for Fort Munro.
In her message on the Global Day of Parents, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, "Today, do remember those children whose parents sacrificed their precious lives for the security of our beloved homeland."
She added, "I also pay tribute to those parents whose children were martyred."