KARACHI, Aug 16: A high-level meeting here on Saturday constituted a ministerial committee, headed by Chief Minister Ali Mohammad Mahar, for assessing the extent of pollution and damage caused by the oil slick to human resource, marine life and environment in coastal areas.

Provincial Minister for Fisheries Sardar Manzoor Ali Khan Panhwar presided over the meeting which reviewed the after-effects of oil spill from a Greek oil tanker Tasman Spirit near Karachi harbour.

Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Nadir Akmal Khan Leghari, Adviser to the CM on Environment and Alternative Energy Faisal Malik Gabol, secretaries of the IPC Department and Livestock & Fisheries, and other senior officials attended the meeting. Mr Panhwar, Mr Leghari and Mr Gabol are members of the committee.

It was also decided to constitute a technical committee to assist the ministerial committee in the assessment process.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Panhwar urged the government to take concrete measures on emergency basis to minimize the damage being caused to marine life and beaches.

Mr Leghari said that the committee would approach the federal government to seek assistance and funds to contain the oil slick and remedial measures. He urged the Centre to help combat the environmental disaster on emergency basis.

Mr Malik told the meeting that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had been monitoring the affected area along the beaches to assess the damage on day-to-day basis.

The meeting also urged NGOs to play their due role in creating awareness in people and provide technical support to overcome the problem. —APP