Latest news with #SindhEnvironmentalProtectionAgency
Express Tribune
23-07-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Hospitals told to follow protocol in waste disposal
The environment watchdog in Sindh has warned clinics and hospitals in Hyderabad to dispose of hospital waste in incinerators per laid down rules and regulations. Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) Director General (DG) Waqar Hussain Phulpoto has issued a stern warning to public and private hospitals across the district for failing to dispose of medical waste in accordance with SEPA regulations. During his visit to Hyderabad, he chaired multiple meetings at the SEPA regional office with hospital administrators, kiln owners, factory operators, and municipal officials from various districts. He directed hospitals to follow scientific protocols for medical waste disposal using incinerators and to ensure strict compliance with Hospital Waste Management Rules. Expressing displeasure during individual hearings, the DG reprimanded kiln owners for not using eco-friendly fuel and instructed them to adopt environmentally safe alternatives in line with SEPA laws. Municipal officers of Hyderabad were also directed to ensure proper disposal of municipal waste at designated landfill sites. Violations of the SEPA Act 2014 will result in strict legal action, the DG warned. DG also held individual hearings with owners of ice factories, various industrial units, and construction firms, emphasizing the need for full compliance with environmental regulations. Responding to public complaints, the DG ordered the sealing of an ice factory located in Thatta for non-compliance.
Business Recorder
18-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Marine pollution board holds first meeting in 15 years
KARACHI: Federal Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has issued a stark warning over the growing threat of marine pollution, stressing its far-reaching impacts on Pakistan's blue economy, climate, biodiversity, and public health. Chairing the fifth meeting of the Marine Pollution Control Board here, the first in 15 years, the minister emphasized that unchecked pollution is not only degrading marine life and coastal ecosystems but also undermining fisheries, tourism, and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Marine Pollution Control Board works under the Maritime Ministry. The high-level meeting was attended by representatives from all relevant ministries, departments, and organizations. Minister Chaudhry took strong notice of the board's prolonged inactivity and directed that its meetings now be held on a regular basis. 'Land-based pollution, particularly the discharge of untreated sewage and solid waste, accounts for nearly 90 percent of marine pollution. If targeted effectively, this can be reduced significantly,' the minister stated. He highlighted the cascading effects of marine degradation, including contaminated seafood, economic losses, increased coastal erosion, and damage to harbor infrastructure, and the potential extinction or migration of marine species. In response to the worsening crisis, the minister formed two committees to accelerate progress on key wastewater treatment initiatives. The first will focus on the long-delayed Sewage Treatment Plant-III (STP-III), and the second will address issues with the Combined Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP), designed to handle industrial wastewater. Both committees are expected to submit comprehensive reports to the board within 20 days. During the session, officials revealed that Karachi generates over 472 million gallons of sewage daily, including nearly 100 million gallons of industrial effluent, which is largely discharged untreated into the Lyari and Malir rivers and eventually into the Arabian Sea. The city's stormwater drains also carry significant quantities of solid waste, including plastics, directly into coastal waters. To counter this, the board discussed various mitigation strategies such as installing nets on stormwater drains, fencing riverbanks, deploying trash removal systems in harbors, and expediting the completion of treatment facilities in critical areas like Manora, Baba Bhit, and Kalri and Phitti nullah catchment zones. The minister also called for stronger enforcement of environmental laws. He proposed invoking strict penalties under the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act and the Merchant Shipping Ordinance against polluting vessels and industries. He further urged for empowering the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) with enhanced operational authority to implement environmental safeguards more effectively. The meeting additionally addressed sea-based sources of pollution — estimated to contribute 10 percent — including ballast water discharge, ship breaking activities, fishing operations, and offshore drilling. The Karachi Port Trust and other maritime authorities were urged to enforce regulations stringently to curb these practices. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
04-07-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
'Unfiltered water' from Indus pumped directly to homes in Hyderabad
A major public health concern has surfaced across Hyderabad as large portions of the city's densely populated neighbourhoods continue to receive untreated water drawn directly from the Indus River. The issue, long shrouded in administrative ambiguity and contradictory claims, came under sharp scrutiny when the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) conducted an unannounced inspection of the Jamshoro Filtration Plant, raising fresh alarms over water quality and civic negligence. SEPA officials accompanied by Deputy Director Technical Imran Ali Abbasi collected water samples from key operational chambers, including the lagoon site, chlorination chamber and alum treatment units. These samples have been dispatched for laboratory analysis. The team confirmed that the plant supplies water to areas such as Qasimabad, Latifabad, and central Hyderabad, and hinted at imminent inspections at other filtration sites across the city. The raid exposed systemic failures at multiple levels of the Hyderabad Water and Sewerage Corporation (HWSC). Despite official press releases asserting that "filtered and safe" drinking water is being supplied to the public, reality paints a different picture. Several filtration units-particularly those located in Phuleli, Hala Naka, Tando Yousuf, and Hussainabad-are completely defunct. Communities around Airport Road and Kohsar Housing Society are receiving water that is allegedly pumped directly from the river with no prior purification. Residents have consistently complained of foul-smelling, visibly polluted water, with an uptick in skin infections and waterborne diseases reported over recent weeks-especially concerning during Muharram, a time when public gatherings and hydration needs intensify. SEPA's findings have amplified longstanding concerns that the city is teetering on the edge of an environmental and health emergency. According to sources, only a fraction of the distributed water undergoes rudimentary alum treatment, while chlorination systems at major plants on Jamshoro Road, Preetabad, and Ghaghar Mori have failed due to outdated equipment and repeated gas drum leaks. Latifabad Unit 4 and Habib Farm reportedly receive untreated "raw water" diverted directly from the river. Ironically, officials have in some cases shifted the blame to residents, claiming that water contamination stems from unauthorized plumbing work and underground pipe leakage. A recent public statement from the Water Corporation suggested that poor-quality installations by uncertified plumbers were contributing to the intrusion of impurities-an assertion SEPA has yet to verify. Speaking to Express, Imran Ali Abbasi confirmed that additional surprise inspections will be conducted across filtration plants that supply densely inhabited sectors of the city. He emphasized that the 2014 Sindh Environmental Protection Act must be strictly enforced to ensure public access to clean drinking water. In an editorial development long advocated by Daily Express, this unfolding situation underscores the critical need for structural overhauls, regulatory compliance, and renewed investment in water purification infrastructure. With millions at risk, civic authorities are now under pressure to provide more than just reassurances-and to act before this health hazard escalates into an irreversible crisis.
Express Tribune
01-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Govt's ban on plastic bags goes unnoticed
Officers deliver warning notice over the use of plastic shopping bags to a shopkeeper on the Autobahn Road. PHOTO: EXPRESS The use and sale of plastic shopping bags continue unabated across Hyderabad despite a province-wide ban imposed by the Sindh government from June 15. Banned plastic bags are still being used openly at grocery stores, general shops, and franchise outlets. The Sindh government has announced a complete ban on the manufacturing, sale, and use of all types of plastic shopping bags including non-degradable, oxo-degradable, black-coloured, and recycled bags in an effort to reduce environmental pollution and drainage blockages. A formal notification has also directed strict enforcement and legal action against violators. However, even after more than two weeks, implementation on the ground remains ineffective. Hyderabad DC Zain-ul-Abideen Memon, issued directives on June 19 to all assistant commissioners in the district to fully cooperate with the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) to ensure enforcement of the ban. Additional Deputy Commissioner-II Saba Israr also sent a letter to the director information, urging public awareness campaign advising citizens to avoid use of plastic bags and use cloth or paper bags instead. SEPA Regional Director Hyderabad, Imran Ali Abbasi, has claimed that the sale of plastic bag at the wholesale level has been halted and the local authorities have been directed to curb their usage at retail shops. He added that SEPA teams are actively visiting markets, issuing notices to shopkeepers, and distributing pamphlets to spread awareness. Reports indicate that Hyderabad has 107 wholesale plastic bag shops, including 65 in Tower Market, nine in Qasimabad, six in Faqir Ka Pir, 10 in Latifabad, two in Preetabad, and 15 in Tando Jam. This is not the first time such a ban has been introduced. In March 2018, the Sindh govt enforced Section 144 to prohibit the manufacture, sale, and use of plastic bags. Later, in November 2018, a phased ban was approved by the provincial cabinet. The latest ban, which came into effect on June 15, 2025, marks the third such attempt, yet meaningful implementation remains elusive.
Express Tribune
06-06-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
CM vows plastic-free Sindh on World Environment Day
On the occasion of World Environment Day, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said that the day is being celebrated worldwide under the theme "End Plastic Pollution." He emphasised the need for collective action to protect the environment from plastic pollution and appealed to the public to minimise plastic use and adopt a clean environment. The CM said that the Sindh government has launched a plastic cleanup campaign across the province and is ensuring strict enforcement of plastic laws. The Sindh government is promoting the use of eco-friendly cloth and paper bags. A complete ban on plastic shopping bags will be imposed from June 15. 3,000 cloth bags Like the rest of the world, World Environment Day was celebrated across Sindh with fervour and renewed commitment to ecological preservation. DG Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) Waqar Hussain Phulpoto started the day by planting a sapling, symbolising the province's dedication to sustainable and environment-friendly initiatives. Speaking to the media, he announced that 3,000 cloth bags have been distributed at major shopping malls to encourage the public to shift away from harmful plastic shopping bags.
