Latest news with #AghaShahNawazKhan
Business Recorder
19-05-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
SEPA accelerates operations to implement environmental laws
KARACHI: On the directives of Secretary Environment, Climate Change & Coastal Development Agha Shah Nawaz Khan, the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has accelerated operations across the province to ensure strict implementation of environmental laws. Following inspections of various factories, warehouses, hospitals, energy plants, and stone crushing units across Sindh, several establishments have been issued legal notices for violating environmental regulations. In Khapro (District Sanghar), the SEPA regional office Shaheed Benazirabad and district team issued notices with strict warnings to cotton factories, poultry sheds, and fertilizer warehouses for non-compliance with environmental laws. Meanwhile, in Tando Adam, United Energy Pakistan and Petro Waste Yard were ordered to immediately submit their Environmental Management Plans and Waste Management Plans. In another action, SEPA's Hyderabad regional office and Thatta district team issued stern warnings to ice factories in Dhabeji and Thatta for violating water quality standards and Sindh Environmental Quality Standards (SEQs). In Tando Allahyar, a surprise visit was conducted to the district hospital, where the medical superintendent was served a notice over violations of Hospital Waste Management Rules. Furthermore, the Hyderabad regional team conducted raids on unregulated stone crushing units and bitumen plants operating along the Tando Muhammad Khan bypass without required environmental safeguards. Notices were issued for causing environmental pollution. Environment Secretary Agha Shah Nawaz Khan directed all institutions to immediately comply with the SEPA Act 2014, warning of severe action in case of non-compliance. 'The preservation of Sindh's environment, natural diversity, and ecological systems is our collective responsibility,' he said, adding that a zero-tolerance policy will be enforced against environmental pollution. 'Institutions must fulfil their responsibilities and comply with environmental standards without delay, or the law will take its course,' the secretary cautioned. He reaffirmed that the protection of the natural environment remains a top priority of the Sindh government, and violators will be brought within the ambit of the law without exception. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
05-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Sindh govt imposes ban on plastic shopping bags
KARACHI: The Sindh government has taken a revolutionary step to curb environmental pollution by imposing a complete ban on all types of plastic shopping bags throughout the province. According to a notification issued by the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Development, the manufacturing, storage, sale, and use of all plastic shopping bags will be strictly prohibited across Sindh from June 15, 2025. The ban will apply to non-degradable, oxo-degradable, black-collared, and recycled plastic bags as well. The provincial cabinet had unanimously approved the proposal during its meeting on April 15, 2025, following the recommendations of the Environment Department. Subsequently, the Sindh government amended the 'Sindh Prohibition of Non-Degradable Plastic Products (Manufacturing, Sale and Usage) Rules 2014' and introduced a complete ban on all plastic shopping bags by revising Rule 3, Sub-Rule (5), and Entry No.1 of the schedule. Previously, in 2019, the provincial government had imposed a partial ban, allowing only specific weight and size plastic bags under certain conditions. However, those exemptions have now been revoked, and a blanket ban is being enforced. Secretary Environment Agha Shah Nawaz Khan stated that plastic bags are hazardous to the environment, and this historic decision has been taken in the public interest. 'We want to provide a clean, green, and safe environment for future generations — the time has come to permanently get rid of plastic,' he asserted. He warned that any violations of the ban will lead to strict legal action with no leniency. Environmental experts, civil society, and citizens have widely appreciated the move and called it a landmark decision by the Sindh government. The Secretary Environment has urged district administrations, industrialists, traders, and the general public to actively participate in this national campaign. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
