FAISALABAD:Divisional Commissioner Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh said that environmental protection measures have been intensified to combat smog and in this connection, emission control systems have been installed at 1,500 industrial units and CCTV monitoring network is near completion to identify sources of air pollution and support timely action against violators.
He was addressing an awareness session on ‘environmental improvement and air pollution control’ jointly organized by World Wide Fund for Nature Pakistan (WWF-Pakistan) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The divisional commissioner said that all relevant departments including the EPA were working round the clock to protect citizens from polluted air and associated diseases.
He said that CCTV cameras being installed at industrial units were in the final stages of deployment and it would be linked to a central control system. The integrated monitoring arrangement would help identify sources of environmental pollution and facilitate coordinated measures to control emissions, he added.
He said that he was reviewing EPA’s progress every week to ensure effective implementation of environmental protection measures ahead of the smog season.
He emphasized that coordinated efforts by government departments, industrialists, farmers and other stakeholders were imperative to improve air quality and safeguard public health.
Highlighting measures to prevent pollution caused by agricultural practices, Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh said that farmers were being encouraged to refrain from burning crop residues rather they should use super seeders for management of leftover stalks and other agricultural waste.
He said that village-level targets had been assigned to Numberdars and agriculture officers to promote environmentally friendly farming practices and discourage stubble burning, which contributes to deteriorate air quality during smog season.
He also stressed the need to strengthen healthcare services to protect people from pollution-related illnesses. He said that efforts were underway to ensure that patients received appropriate treatment at the hospitals they initially visited, rather than being referred elsewhere because of inadequate medical resources.
Measures were being taken to prevent occupational diseases among workers employed in industrial units, he added, underlining the importance of protecting the health of both industrial workers and the wider community.
Referring to another public health initiative, the divisional commissioner said that a campaign had been launched at barbershops and hair-cutting salons to ensure that used blades and other instruments were kept separately and disposed of properly. This initiative aimed to prevent the reuse of contaminated equipment and reduce the risk of hepatitis and other serious infectious diseases, he added.
He said that environmental improvement required sustained action on multiple fronts, including industrial emissions, agricultural practices, healthcare provision and public awareness. All possible efforts would be made to create a healthier environment in the division, he added.
He expressed hope that joint efforts by government agencies, WWF-Pakistan, industrialists and other stakeholders would help provide citizens cleaner air and a healthier environment during the upcoming smog season.
Vice Chancellor Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF) Prof Dr Rauf-i-Azam, WWF-Pakistan Freshwater Program Director Sohail Ali Naqvi, EPA Deputy Director Dr Tahir Sial, Coordinator Haroon Younas, Waheed Khaliq Ramay and Muhammad Ali also spoke on the occasion.
Dr Tahir Sial briefed the participants about environmental protection measures currently being implemented by EPA while WWF-Pakistan Coordinator Haroon Younas explained the objectives of awareness session and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to combat air pollution.