ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Environment Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) has suggested mitigation measures for two new underpasses because it can issue environmental clearance for the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) mega projects.

Dissatisfied with the particulate dust matter and emissions likely to be generated by the construction of two underpasses on Faisal Avenue, Pak-EPA has asked the CDA to take mitigation measures to reduce noise, blown dust, possible oil contamination, wastewater and solid waste disposal and rehabilitation for the loss of green belts.

The two proposed underpasses would provide traffic with direct and unobstructed access between G-7 and G-8, and F-7 and F-8, and would relieve pressure on Faisal Avenue, where multiple U-turns hold up traffic and are a major safety hazard.

Agency concerned by loss of trees, particulate dust matter and emissions

In addition to a loss of 40 to 50 year old trees, Pak-EPA is concerned about the level of the total suspended particulate dust matter that will be generated at the construction sites.

“We are particularly concerned by dust particles less than PM10 micrometres and PM2.5 micrometres. These coarse particulate matters (PM) are so tiny that they are easily inhalable and absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs, where they can cause major health concerns. Such suspended particles are emitted by heavy construction machinery,” a source in Pak-EPA said.

The agency’s director general Farzana Altaf Shah said mobile units that are used to monitor air quality are about to become functional after being out of order for several years. She said these units, when deployed at construction sites, will help check dust pollution and emissions and developers could then be asked to further address concerns by improving the environment management plan around development zones.

She added that the agency has asked for accurate data on how much dust is likely to be generated until the underpasses are complete. She said Pak-EPA did not believe the projects would incur serious environmental damage, and the adverse effects identified could be mitigated adequately.

The agency has also asked the CDA to save the trees by transplanting them instead of cutting them down.

A CDA official said the proposed underpasses have become necessary in order to manage congestion on Faisal Avenue. “There is a general perception that the upgrading of civic infrastructure has not kept pace with the growth of the city. The improvement of roads is a necessity, considering the city is growing rapidly and a large number of vehicles are added to the roads,” the official said.

He said U-turns on Faisal Avenue hold up traffic and are serious hazards.

“While authentic statistics are not available for the number of accidents on Faisal Avenue attributed directly or indirectly to merging traffic or vehicles using U-turns, the fact remains that there is no record of near misses, minor accidents or instances of road rage due to these traffic hazards,” the CDA official said.

Published in Dawn, June 5th, 2017