ISLAMABAD: An important meeting regarding the mitigation of smog and environmental protection in Islamabad was held on Tuesday at the CDA Headquarters, chaired by Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa. The meeting was attended by environmental and forest expert Rizwan Mehboob, Member Environment Esfandyar Baloch, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon along with other senior officers. The Chief Conservator of the Sindh Forest Department and their team also participated via Zoom link. During the meeting, several measures were decided to address smog mitigation, eliminate air pollution, and ensure environmental protection in Islamabad.
Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that, in line with the direction of Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, combating smog, reducing air pollution, and environmental protection are among our top priorities. He emphasized the need to adopt a comprehensive strategy for smog control and ensure the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
During the briefing, it was reported that various measures are being taken regarding the emission control from transport sector, brick kilns, industries and other sources contributing to smog.
Chairman CDA directed that vehicle carbon emissions testing must be made mandatory to control air pollution from the transport sector. Furthermore, certification from certified laboratories for vehicle emissions testing should be compulsory in the Capital City, Islamabad.
The meeting was briefed that brick kilns not adopting modern technology, those continuously violating regulations and contributing to air pollution are being demolished in accordance with the law.
Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa said that all brick kilns and industries in the Capital must transition to modern, environmentally friendly technologies. He directed a complete ban on open burning of waste and instructed legal action against those involved in such practices.
Chairman CDA directed that water sprinkling must be ensured at construction sites to control dust contributing to smog from development projects. Furthermore, compliance with Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) regulations and SOPs must be guaranteed across all development projects throughout the City.
Environmental and Forest Expert Rizwan Mehboob suggested that for afforestation, plant species should be selected that help in controlling environmental pollution and reducing smog particulates in the air. He also proposed community engagement and launching of awareness campaigns among the community and promoting carpooling practices instead of using vehicles individually.
The Sindh Forest Department briefed the meeting on the Indus Delta Blue Carbon Project for the restoration of mangroves in Sindh. The meeting also considered initiating a project for the potential acquisition of carbon credits for the Margalla Hills National Park and other green areas in Islamabad.
Chairman CDA directed that various projects for obtaining carbon credits should be considered and initiated in Islamabad under Public-Private Partnerships. The meeting decided to fully benefit from the experience and expertise of the Sindh Forest Department in acquiring carbon credits. At the conclusion of the meeting, the commitment to acquiring carbon credits, environmental protection and smog control in Islamabad was reiterated.