News
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Millions in Sindh face environmental threats: ministerKARACHI: National Forum for Environment (NFE), in collaboration with District Municipal Corporation (DMC) South, has launched an initiative of tree plantation in connection with International Earth Day.
Sindh Minister for Environment Shaikh Muhammad Afzal was the chief guest at the ceremony, held at the Boat Basin area, on Friday morning. About 100 schoolchildren and citizens participated in the tree plantation ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Afzal said that the Muslim world, including Pakistan, was lagged behind in development of safe and healthy environment, despite the fact that cleanliness is considered half of the faith.
He said that millions of people were facing acute environmental threats across Sindh, particularly in Karachi, and to overcome the issue, non-governmental organisations, industrialists, transporters, municipal institution, media and citizens have to come forward for joint efforts.
The Sindh minister was of the view that blind industrial developments, disarranged constructions, encroachments, negative behaviours of people, negligence of relevant authorities and lack of appropriate policies had pressed the situation from bad to worst. He stressed the need for ensuring safety of mangroves.
Talking about pollution of Keenjhar Lake, he said that investigations were underway in this regard, adding that those involved in the situation would be punished.
He hailed the contribution of the forum for the betterment and safety of environment and assured the organisers of their full support and cooperation in saving environment.
NFE President Muhammad Naeem Qureshi appealed to the masses to keep their homes, streets and area clean and green. He urged the Environment Department to organise environment friendly activities throughout the year in collaboration with NGOs and industrial organisations. He also stressed the need for ensuring stern action against those responsible for spreading pollution.
The DMC administrator on the occasion announced that 5,000 plants would be planted during the campaign, being initiated by the corporation.
Environment Secretary Mir Hassan Ali, Municipal Commissioner Noman Arshed, Dr Kaiser Waheed, EPA Director Rafiuddin, Abdul Majeed Abdani and Asif Azeem also expressed their views at the ceremony. Later, distinguished guests were honoured with the traditional ‘Ajrak’. pr
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk