KARACHI, Feb 25: A report prepared by the Environment Stakeholders’ Action Committee (Esac) on Karachi’s environmental issues and challenges calls on the federal and provincial governments to immediately undertake an action plan to improve the situation.

The report was released by Senator Nisar Memon, chairman of the Senate Committee for Defence and Defence Production.

Esac, headed by industrialist Ziad Bashir, comprises representatives of federal, provincial and city governments, Pakistan Navy, academics, NGOs and industries.

The following are some of the recommendations made in the report:

• Involve Pakistan Navy, Coastguards and Maritime Security Agency along with civil agencies in evolving a waste management plan for Karachi;

• Industrial areas should be provided with specialised landfill sites to handle industrial waste;

• All industrial areas are required to set up their own treatment plants to help control environmental degradation. Setting up of sewage treatment plants at the source, the industries to treat their effluent before discharging them into sewers, whereas domestic waste should also be treated before its disposal into sea;

• National waste policies have to be made more coherent; the legal framework, its implementation and enforcement need to be improved in all parts of Pakistan;

• Public-private partnerships need to be developed continually so that all stakeholders can work together towards a common goal;

• EPA’s role should be more active with autonomous status so that environmental goals and objectives are effectively monitored and implemented;

• Reduction in the amount of waste generated;

• Change people’s attitude towards waste management as a whole and increase participation in recycling and minimization schemes;

• Improving the market for recyclables.

• Alternatives have to be made available so that consumers are encouraged to minimise their waste or buy products that are of a comparably high standard and price but less harmful to environment;

• Accessible and transparent data is crucial if strategies are to be successful and sustainable waste management practices achieved. — APP