Latest news with #EnvironmentProtectionAgency
Business Recorder
26-07-2025
- General
- Business Recorder
EPA launches surveillance to eliminate bird nesting around airports
LAHORE: The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) on Friday announced that it will complete comprehensive e-mapping of bird cages and nests in Lahore and other sensitive areas within two days through its dedicated aerial surveillance force. Using advanced technologies, the identification of bird nests in sensitive areas, including Lahore, is progressing swiftly. The EPA's aerial surveillance squad is actively conducting drone-based monitoring and video recording. Locations of all vulnerable nests are being digitally mapped. In case of heightened risk of air accidents, immediate 'de-nesting' operations — the removal of nests — will be initiated. The EPA has devised a rapid response strategy to mitigate bird-related threats near airports and other sensitive zones. According to the de-nesting report dated July 24, the EPA squad conducted a successful operation near Safe Garrison and Harbanspura Ring Road, removing 20 kite and 30 crow nests. The area has since been declared clear of threats. Senior Minister Punjab Maryam Aurangzeb emphasized that bird nests pose a serious danger to aircraft, urging citizens to avoid scattering bird feed on rooftops or in open spaces. She stressed that public cooperation is vital for ensuring aerial safety and warned that violators will face strict action. A coordinated crackdown by district administration is underway to prevent bird-related air hazards near airports. Five successful operations were carried out in areas like Badian Road and Gulshan Park, where pigeon cages were dismantled and other potential bird habitats were eliminated. Actions were also taken against poultry and meat shops operating in open areas of Nishat Colony and others. Four shops were fined and shutdown on the spot. Citizens have been urged not to discard sacrificial or leftover meat in open areas, as it attracts birds that may contribute to air accidents. The EPA teams inspected wedding halls and restaurants for improper food waste disposal, issuing notices to three venues for non-compliance. On Khurshid Alam Road, unnecessary tree branches were trimmed to remove nests and control the bird population. Garbage was cleared from Javed Cheema Chowk, Zarrar Shaheed Road, and Jore Pul, as authorities noted that open waste is a major cause of bird congregation. Surveillance has been intensified from Dharampura to Jallo and along Canal Road, where sacrificial meat sellers have been identified. Local vendors have been directed to comply with regulations. At the PAF Golf Club, a wildlife team removed 20 crow and 15 kite nests to help secure the airspace. Minister Maryam Aurangzeb added that the Lahore wildlife team is now heading toward Safe Garrison and Harbanspura Ring Road for the next phase of operations, fully prepared to curb bird breeding activities as part of the strategic plan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Sydney Morning Herald
15-07-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
If Albanese can't pass this test, ‘we should stop dreaming': former Treasury boss
Anthony Albanese's plan to build 1.2 million homes, improve the nation's transport system and lift Australians' living standards will fail if the government cannot fix broken nature laws and arrest the decline of the environment, former Treasury boss Ken Henry warns. In a speech to the National Press Club on Wednesday, Henry will argue that despite pressure on fast-track important developments, the country also needs a resilient and rich natural environment. Without that, Australia will be just 'building a faster highway to hell'. Henry, who served as Treasury secretary under John Howard and Kevin Rudd, will argue there is 'no chance' the government will reach its many key policy goals without fixing the broken project approval system in the federal Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act and also state environmental laws. 'If we can't achieve environmental law reform, then we should stop dreaming about more challenging options,' he will tell the press club. 'Boosting productivity and resilience relies upon environmental law reform.' The 2020 Samuel Review found the EPBC Act, established by the Howard government in 2000, was failing. The regime overlays state nature laws to protect matters of national environmental significance, like threatened species or rare habitats. Loading Since colonisation, about 100 of Australia's unique flora and fauna species have become extinct. The rate of loss, which is as bad as anywhere else on Earth, shows no sign of slowing, with more than 2000 species listed as threatened with extinction and ongoing habitat degradation. The Albanese government promised in 2022 to bolster the EPBC Act with the creation of an Environment Protection Agency (EPA). A federal watchdog, the agency would police compliance of big projects that affect the environment, such as mines and tourism resorts, handing out fines for breaches.
The Age
15-07-2025
- Business
- The Age
If Albanese can't pass this test, ‘we should stop dreaming': former Treasury boss
Anthony Albanese's plan to build 1.2 million homes, improve the nation's transport system and lift Australians' living standards will fail if the government cannot fix broken nature laws and arrest the decline of the environment, former Treasury boss Ken Henry warns. In a speech to the National Press Club on Wednesday, Henry will argue that despite pressure on fast-track important developments, the country also needs a resilient and rich natural environment. Without that, Australia will be just 'building a faster highway to hell'. Henry, who served as Treasury secretary under John Howard and Kevin Rudd, will argue there is 'no chance' the government will reach its many key policy goals without fixing the broken project approval system in the federal Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act and also state environmental laws. 'If we can't achieve environmental law reform, then we should stop dreaming about more challenging options,' he will tell the press club. 'Boosting productivity and resilience relies upon environmental law reform.' The 2020 Samuel Review found the EPBC Act, established by the Howard government in 2000, was failing. The regime overlays state nature laws to protect matters of national environmental significance, like threatened species or rare habitats. Loading Since colonisation, about 100 of Australia's unique flora and fauna species have become extinct. The rate of loss, which is as bad as anywhere else on Earth, shows no sign of slowing, with more than 2000 species listed as threatened with extinction and ongoing habitat degradation. The Albanese government promised in 2022 to bolster the EPBC Act with the creation of an Environment Protection Agency (EPA). A federal watchdog, the agency would police compliance of big projects that affect the environment, such as mines and tourism resorts, handing out fines for breaches.
Express Tribune
13-07-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Punjab enforces bird hazard controls near Lahore airport
The Punjab government has launched a major crackdown on bird activity in the vicinity of Lahore Airport to enhance aviation safety, declaring several neighbourhoods 'No Bird Zones' under a new initiative. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz issued the directive to the city's district administration, Punjab Wildlife Department, and the Environment Protection Agency for coordinated action. Localities including Eastern Bypass, Manawan, Hospital Dahori Wala, PKLI, Chungi Amar Sidhu, Ichhra, and Chah Miran have been placed under strict monitoring. Officials said these areas have been ring-fenced aerially to create protective airspace for commercial flights. Bird strikes, particularly during take-off and landing, pose a persistent safety hazard. The new policy aims to mitigate this by reducing bird presence around low-altitude flight paths. Read: Police to set up animal rescue sub-centres Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb has been appointed to oversee the mobilisation of Punjab's first dedicated Wildlife Force. The Wildlife Department has already ordered its field rangers to enforce new restrictions. Strict regulations are being imposed on nearby slaughterhouses, poultry farms, bakeries, and leather-processing units. These businesses must now comply with environmental controls, including a ban on open disposal of animal waste and hides. Additionally, feeding birds in public areas, on rooftops, and at shrines has been outlawed. Residents are also restricted from keeping or flying large numbers of pigeons. Garbage dumping near the airport has been banned, and covered waste bins are now compulsory in specific zones. Officials warned that any activity attracting birds in these areas will be treated as a breach of public safety. Read more: Pet big cats to be sterilised, sale banned Legal action will be taken under the Punjab Wildlife Act, with monitoring teams tasked with ensuring full compliance. Authorities say the move aligns with international aviation safety standards and reflects a long-term commitment to safer skies around the city.
Business Recorder
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Pollution-free Punjab: CM Maryam seeks public support
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has made an appeal to the citizens for extending their complete cooperation in launching 'Plastic and Pollution-Free Punjab' campaign. On the direction of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, 'Zero Plastic, Zero Pollution' campaign has been launched under the auspices of government and private schools, offices and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) across the province. The aim behind launching this campaign is to inform and impart awareness to the general public regarding usage of dangerous and life-threatening plastic for their lives. During the campaign, the youth and children in particular are to be imparted awareness with regard to plastic causing air pollution and other fatal diseases including cancer. The students will be encouraged to use cloth bags and paper products as alternatives to plastic. Environmental Protection Agency officers informed that plastic bags should not be used by and large including government and private offices. On the direction of the Chief Minister, tree plantation activities were also organized to celebrate the World Environment Day. She in her special message urged the youth to become an environment-friendly force. She highlighted that protecting the environment amounts to protecting life adding that it is a national obligation of all and sundry. She emphasized that Zero Plastic Campaign is not just a one-day event, but we need to make it a part of our daily routine. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
