Sherry Reside Meeting To Strictly Enforce Pollution Control Measures In ICT

News Desk

Islamabad: A committee on the implementation of pollution control measures in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) resolved to strictly enforce the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) master plan against unplanned urbanisation and high-rise construction and close unregulated industrial activity in residential sectors within six months for small industries and one year for large manufacturing units.

Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) Federal Minister Sherry Rehman chaired the meeting of the committee on Tuesday.

It also resolved to impose a zero-tolerance policy for producers of polythene bags and require brick kilns to transition to zig-zag technology. These decisions are made in addition to encouraging I-9 and I-10 sector enterprises to relocate within six months and repurpose the land for smart activities.

The meeting also decided to explore a collaboration with the private sector for a waste-to-energy plant close to the disposal site and to mandate that commercial cars in Islamabad receive a Vehicle Fitness Certificate from a third party for token renewal.

The body agreed to impose traffic challan slabs based on vehicle type and size, approach the Punjab Healthcare Commission for interim hazardous waste disposal from hospitals, and consider licence cancellation for persistent infractions.

Additionally, it was believed that all small restaurants and kiosks functioning within Margalla National Park should be shut down, there should be a ban on burning solid trash in ICT and there should be a one-year relocation period to a cement plant running in ICT. The Federal Cabinet will be presented with the decisions for approval.

During the meeting, Minister Rehman took proactive steps by commissioning two sub-committees, the first chaired by Special Assistants to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Dr Mohammad Jehanzeb Khan to oversee the waste-to-energy plant initiative; and the second sub-committee –chaired by the MoCC&EC Secretary – will focus on the initiative concerning hazardous waste from hospitals.

Senator Sherry issued a directive to CDA to submit a comprehensive plan for the establishment of the Waste-to-Energy Plant to MoCC&EC within the next 3 months.

Moreover, Rehman also reiterated that the ‘Single-Use Plastic Prohibition Regulation’ will be enforced on August 1st, effectively prohibiting the use of single-use plastic crockery and single-use plastic cutlery. Furthermore, single-use plastic food service ware, comprising lidded containers, boxes, cups, plates, and bowls used for serving or transporting food or beverages, along with single-use plastic stirrers, will also be banned.

CDA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been directed to promptly implement these measures and devise a communication strategy to effectively guide the population on these regulations.

We will be establishing protected areas and buffer zones to protect the green belt of Islamabad, and CDA will not be allowed to make roads or any other infrastructure through the Margalla National Park, Minister added.