HYDERABAD: Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) Director General Naeem Mughal on Tuesday visited drinking water filtration plant of the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) and expressed displeasure over closure of three units of the plant.

He directed the Wasa management of the plant to make the units functional as soon as possible, according to a Sepa press release.

He was accompanied by Hyderabad Sepa Deputy Director Imran Ali Abbasi and Regional Incharge Ali Nawaz Bhanbhro, and others. Officials of the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (HMC) appeared before the DG Sepa following issuance of a notice from the environmental agency.

Officials briefed him on the issues hindering environmental-friendly disposal of municipal waste in Hyderabad. The DG directed them to bring management of municipal waste under environmental laws as soon as possible and said Sepa had power to take legal action.

The other day, he inspected vehicles at Hyderabad Toll Plaza and imposed fines through traffic police on vehicles that emitted more excessive smoke. Later, the DG paid a surprise visit to Kotri Site and carried out a detailed environmental inspection of three battery recycling factories.

Managements of three factories were summoned to the Sepa office for a personal hearing. The DG also inspected documentation of various projects at the regional office, Hyderabad.

The management of different projects gave presentations. Stressing the need for abiding by environmental laws, the DG warned that those who did not comply with the laws would face action without discrimination.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2020