KARACHI, Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice (R) Maqbool Baqar expressed disappointment over the performance of the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), underlining its inability to effectively curb water and air pollution in the region, particularly stemming from untreated industrial waste and vehicular emissions.

According to Media Consultant to CM Sindh, the Chief Minister voiced his concerns during a meeting held at SEPA’s Korangi office on Wednesday. Among those present were Caretaker Minister for Culture and Environment Arshad Wali Mohammad, Secretary Environment Agha Wasif, MD SSWMB Imtiaz Shah, and DG EPA Naeem Mughal. Highlighting the foundational role of SEPA, the Chief Minister said, “These are the basic functions of the SEPA which it had to perform efficiently and effectively for protection, conservation, rehabilitation, and improvement of the environment.”

DG EPA Naeem Mughal briefed the CM on SEPA’s mandates, which revolve around enhancing the environment, pollution control, and sustainable development through stringent environmental law enforcement. In response, Justice Baqar pointed out SEPA’s shortcomings, emphasizing how industries have been allowed to release untreated effluent into the sea and River Indus at Kotri, leading to significant water pollution, a situation persisting since SEPA’s inception in 1989.

The CM was further informed about SEPA’s diverse operational areas, including monitoring of industrial waste, emissions, noise, and drinking water quality. Justice Baqar stressed the need for SEPA to operate more effectively for the broader public good, referencing the SEPA Act 2014, which prohibits any discharge or emission causing pollution or adverse environmental effects. He highlighted that such violations are evident and widespread. The DG assured that related cases have been forwarded to the Tribunal for appropriate action.

Detailing the complaint redressal mechanism, DG Mughal shared that SEPA has a designated system for swiftly addressing complaints. The agency uses its website to update organizational activities in line with the Right to Information Act and maintains regular communication with Industrial Associations regarding any complaints against SEPA officials.

Concluding the meeting, Chief Minister Baqar directed SEPA’s Director-General to bolster the agency’s performance, emphasizing the urgent need to mitigate water and air pollution, especially within Karachi.