PESHAWAR, Oct 21: The NWFP government has prepared the draft environmental assessment guidelines and checklists for the public and private sector projects in line with the Pakistan Environment Protection Act 1997.

According to a press release, the guidelines have been prepared for the urban environment, industries, forestry and agriculture sectors and their implementation would be the responsibility of the departments concerned, district governments, the private sector and civil society organizations.

“The main purpose of these guidelines and checklists is to predict and prevent the adverse environmental impact of projects and activities by providing guidance to the government departments as well as other project proponents,” contained the press release.

Once finalized the same would be notified by the NWFP Environmental Protection Agency for adoption and implementation by the respective departments, district governments, civil society organizations and private sector’s stakeholders.