HYDERABAD, May 24: Plantation in Hyderabad city has not been carried out during the last 20 years resulting in environmental degradation. The environment has not only affected human health but also contributed in ecological imbalance.

These views were expressed by chairman Environment Committee, Hyderabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI), MPA Abdul Rehman Rajput in an interview on Thursday.

Environment pollution in Hyderabad needs to be addressed on priority basis as the city does not have a strategy regarding ban on smoke emitting vehicles, cleanliness and plantation.The smoke-emitting vehicles were plying on roads without check, raising air pollution to alarming level.

He said quality of air in the city was expected to deteriorate if timely measures were not adopted. He said the HCCI was ready to cooperate with the district government and other institutions to make Hyderabad a pollution free, clean and green city.

He said it was imperative to enforce ban on smoke-emitting vehicles to minimize the threat to environment.

He also emphasised on launching awareness programmes on ways to protect the environment.

He said last year the HCCI had launched three-month environment campaign which would continue its efforts in controlling water, noise, air and traffic pollution, major harm and threat to the environment of city.—APP