ISLAMABAD, Oct 20: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Saturday said the government was working towards maintaining a friendly ecology and cleaner environment in Pakistan.

“An improved and clean environment should be created not only for today, but also for the future generations,” he said while addressing at ground-breaking ceremony of the Environment House, to be constructed for accommodating the environment ministry’s different wings under one roof.

Prime Minister Aziz said the government’s policy was to take steps to minimise environmental degradation for the ultimate benefit of the people.

He said pollution could be a major threat to environment and every government must focus on ensuring four kinds of ecological securities: energy, water, food and environment.

Mr Aziz said various steps taken by the government in this regard including encouraging sale of lead-free fuel to reduce the emission of lead, thus causing air pollution.

The prime minister referred to the projects being run for the production of alternative energy through biomass, wind and others.

He said construction of better roads to avoid traffic jams would also contribute lessening air pollution, and mentioned the directives issue to the CDA for not undertaking any project unless cleared as environment-friendly.

Prime Minister Aziz said units for the treatment of industrial waste had been set up while system for the measurement of polluted contents in water was working at district level.

He also linked better environment with poverty

alleviation and said household survey showed that indicators were heading up with improved sanitation and water facilities.

Preventive, curative and long-term strategies were being adopted by the government for a healthy environment, he said and referred to the Environment Impact Study made mandatory for every new project to be undertaken.

The prime minister stressed on creating awareness among the youth in this regard.—APP