January 23, 2006	Monday	Zilhaj 22, 1426

KARACHI, Jan 22: The Adviser to Chief Minister on Environment, Noman Saigol, on Sunday issued directives to seal three factories while issuing notices to five other industrial units for violating environmental regulations. The directives were issued after samples of effluent being discharged by these factories were tested.

“Ensuring a pollution-free environment is our foremost priority and no industry will be allowed to put the lives of the people in jeopardy,” Saigol said while paying a visit to the Korangi Industrial Area on the complaints of residents about discharge of stinking toxic water and gases from certain factories.

Saigol pointed out that all industries were bound to follow the environmental regulations. He called for conducting environmental impact assessment (EIA) prior to installation of any new industrial project.

“Steps will be taken to bind all industries to install effluent and gas treatment plants in their factories,” he said.

He directed industrialists and factory owners to make the treatment plants essential parts of their factories as means to promote clean and healthy environment for the residents of surrounding areas.

“The Department of Environment and Alternative Energy will increase the frequency of such visits across the province and take action against violators, which will also include ceasing of the industrial units,” he warned, adding that the industrialists would themselves be responsible for such actions against them.—APP