KARACHI: The newly appointed environment secretary, Saeed Ahmed Mangnejo, has directed his department to ensure implementation of recommendations made by the Supreme Court-mandated judicial commission on water and sanitation in letter and spirit.

Chairing a meeting at the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) headquarters in Korangi on Thursday, Mr Mangnejo reviewed progress of the institution.

Sepa director general Naeem Ahmed Mughal gave a detailed presentation on the progress made so for and underscored the challenges being faced by the agency in implementing the environmental law.

The secretary emphasised the need for stricter implementation of the Sepa Act. He particularly focused on the adoption of modern technologies by industries to minimise environmental hazards.

Deputy secretary Junaid Rajput proposed gradual adoption of zigzag technology in the brick kiln sector. The technology, it was noted, not only significantly reduced consumption of coal for baking bricks but also helped produce better quality bricks in a bigger number.

Sepa’s director (technical) Waqar Phulpoto briefed the participants about a survey of industrial units being conducted by the department in Karachi.

Mr Mangnejo directed the department to ensure implementation of the judicial commission’s recommendations. He also asked the officials concerned to submit to him a climate change policy plan and prepare a new annual development plan.

Published in Dawn, March 16th, 2019