KARACHI, March 6: Sindh Environment Adviser Muhammad Noman Saigal has said that the government is taking appropriate steps to tackle the problem of environmental pollution.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session of a workshop on “Statistical methods in environmental science”.

The four-day moot is being organized by the Institute of Environmental Studies, University of Karachi, in collaboration with the Department of Statistics.

Noman Saigal said that they could overcome such a problem through concerted efforts. He appreciated the efforts and contributions of the organizers of the moot.

Highlighting the importance of environmental problems faced by the city, he advised the students to come up whole heartedly to help the Sindh Environment Protection Agency in combating pollution and make the city free from pollution. Students should play an active role in the drive against pollution, he said, adding that they should work to create awareness among the masses.

He was of the view that more efforts, funds and human resource were required for reducing the pollution. He pointed out that Karachi faced a great deal of pollution and many of the quality analysis suggested that drinking water in some of the cases was not fit for human consumption.

The adviser said an international conference on environmental pollution would be organized soon. He said a memorandum of understanding would also be signed between Karachi University and the Sindh Department of Alternate Energy.

Pro-vice chancellor of Karachi University, Prof (Dr) Akhlaq Ahmed, highly appreciated the contributions of the Institute of Environmental Studies. He said that Karachi University was in the process of approving collaboration with the State University of Albany, New York.

The Dean of Science Faculty, Prof (Dr) M. Qaiser, said that substantial data was generated regarding environmental pollution but they were unable to derive full benefits out of it. He described the holding of this workshop as the step in the right direction.

KU Statistics Department Chairman Prof Asim Jamal emphasized the need for the application of statistical methods and principles for the prevention of pollution and providing environmental care.

Earlier, Dr Moazzam Ali Khan in his welcome address spoke about the achievements of the institute in organizing 12 workshops of national importance related to the environment. —APP