KARACHI, March 5: The Adviser to the chief minister on Environment and Alternate Energy, Mohammad Noman Saigol, has given a 48-hour ultimatum to commercial proprietors to remove diesel and petrol operated power generators from congested shopping centres.

The adviser, who has been constantly receiving public complaints about the cited trend, in a departmental meeting on Saturday observed that it were not only shopkeepers, retailers, restaurant owners, but at times even banks were found to indulge in the act. This not only caused atmospheric pollution, but also aggravated noise pollution at the cost of public health.

According to him another cause of deep concern, which was further adding to public inconvenience was the fact that these generators were unlawfully placed outside outlets hence, encroaching upon pavements and hampering the movement of pedestrians and shoppers.

Mr Saigol said stern action would be taken against violators exposing the public to serious health hazards, and above all, threatening the very survival of the latter. He, in this regard, said the department would also undertake necessary assessment and examination with particular reference to blood levels of the residents of such localities, as well as, workers associated with such outlets, and take into account any possible negative impacts on their health.

The adviser was extremely critical of the bank administration, which while being extremely conscious of the environment within their outlets, were absolutely indifferent towards the condition of public outside.

Meanwhile, the adviser during the very meeting while referring to the havoc played by the transporters due to their apathy and indifference to ensure proper maintenance and tuning of their vehicles, said such sources of pollution needed to be strictly dealt with.

He on the occasion urged the department officials to compile a comprehensive report regarding atmospheric pollution status on M.A. Jinnah Road, I.I. Chundrigar Road, Tariq Road, Saddar and other major thoroughfares as well as commercial centres.

Reiterating his commitment towards public health and clean environment, he said assistance, if required, would also be procured from the Sindh Home Department, as nothing was more precious than public life. -APP