Sindh Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Development Faisal Ahmed Uqaili said the environmental management system will be further strengthened to address environmental issues at their root, while the government will extend all possible facilitation and support to the industrial sector. The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) is taking effective measures to improve coordination with industry, with a focal person appointed to address complaints. A dedicated WhatsApp group will also be established for better coordination with the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI).
Addressing industrialists at KATI, Faisal Ahmed Uqaili said environmental projects would be pursued under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework with efforts to ensure their completion within stipulated timelines. The meeting was attended by KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput, Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya, Senior Vice President Zahid Hameed, Vice President Syed Muhammad Talha Ali, Chairman of the Standing Committee Saleem-uz-Zaman, Director General SEPA Dr. Ashiq Ali Langah, Regional Director M. Imran Sabir, Deputy Director Sada Bux, Director Waris Ali Gabol, Karachi Centre for Climate Change representative Faryal Diwan, and other industrialists and KATI members.
The Sindh Environment Secretary said a SEPA Deputy Director had been appointed as the focal person to act on complaints and keep complainants informed about the status and progress of their cases. He said the department had already established a WhatsApp group for complaints, and would create a separate group to improve communication and facilitate KATI.
Faisal Uqaili said the department had received six projects to take forward under the PPP model. Workshops and seminars would also be organized to improve coordination and facilitate implementation. He proposed forming a committee comprising two representatives each from SEPA and KATI to facilitate, coordinate and monitor the projects. He also called for awareness sessions for stakeholders and the public on carbon financing.
Earlier, KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput said industrialists fully recognized the importance of controlling environmental pollution and protecting the environment, but effective implementation of environmental laws required practical guidance, reasonable time, technical support and effective coordination with relevant regulatory authorities.
