Karachi: Naz Baloch, Parliamentary Secretary, Member National Assembly (MNA), has expressed commitment to take up the issue of pending Combined Affluent Treatment Plant (CETP) and water line from Hub Dam to SITE Area, at various levels in Federal and Provincial Governments. MNA Naz Baloch assured her continued support for betterment of Karachi, particularly for the Industrial area of SITE.
She was addressing members of SITE Association of Industry, on the occasion of her visit. DC Keamari Mukhtiar Ali Abro, Assistant Commissioners, and representatives from SITE Limited and SEPA were also present on the occasion. Riaz Uddin, President SITE Association of Industry, Chief Coordinator Saleem Parekh, Former President SITE Jawed Bilwani, SVP Abdul Kadir Bilwani, VP Muhammad Hussain Moosani, Former Presidents Abdul Hadi and Abdul Rasheed, and Chairman of Environment Committee Muhammad Riaz Dhedhi were also present in the meeting.
Matters related to losses due to floods, impact of climate change & efforts for mitigation & adaptation, waste management, plantation drive for reducing air pollution etc. came under discussion at the meeting. Naz Baloch said that burning of solid waste badly effects environment and timely lifting of solid waste should be ensured by the responsible Govt. department/agencies.
Riaz Uddin, President SITE Association of Industry, while welcoming the MNA, quoted from the measures collaborated in Sindh Climate Change Policy. i.e. (a) discouraging conversion of land use; (b) designing adequate procedures to control organic and inorganic pollution; (c) devising strategies for infrastructure strengthening; (d) making the existing waste treatment schemes more effective and functional; (e) new schemes to be installed on need basis as well as protect and restore water-related ecosystem.
SAI chief also briefed MNA Naz Baloch on the long pending projects of CETP and laying of dedicated Water Pipeline from Hub Dam to SITE area, executing which are going to have a positive impact on environment and requested the MNA to play her role in accelerating pace of work on these two projects.
Chief Coordinator Saleem Parekh on this occasion said that industries are willing to plant trees outside their factories for which lifting of solid waste and cleaning of area are required first. He suggested to make a list of sources generating most pollution and added that the solid waste lifted from the area doesn’t reach landfill sites. He suggested the MNA to personally visit the landfill sites to see the factual position.
Former President SITE Jawed Bilwani drew attention of the MNA towards Lyari River where many people lose their lives every year and added that tree plantation was not allowed there in the past. In response Naz Baloch said that a party has shown interest to work on the cleaning of entire Lyari River. Jawed Bilwani mentioned that 90% budget of the SITE Limited goes in salaries thereby leaving no amount for cleaning, solid waste lifting and greenery of the area.
