ISLAMABAD: The Committee on Implementation of Pollution Control Measures in Islamabad Capital Territory on Tuesday made various recommendations, including closing unregulated industrial activity in residential sectors, mandating brick kilns to switch to zig-zag technology, and commercial vehicles in Islamabad to obtain a fitness certificate.

These decisions would be tabled in the federal cabinet for approval.

Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman chaired the meeting that achieved “consensus on proposals” and also resolved to “strictly enforce CDA’s master plan against unplanned urbanisation” and high-rise construction.

It also recommended closing unregulated industrial activity in residential sectors within six months for small industries and one year for large manufacturing units besides incentivising I-9 and I-10 sector industries to relocate within six months, repurposing the land for smart activities.

Ban on single-use plastic from Aug 1, kilns to switch to zig-zag tech

The meeting also resolved to adopt a zero-tolerance policy for polythene bag manufacturers, mandate brick kilns to switch to zig-zag technology within three months, require commercial vehicles in Islamabad to obtain a vehicle fitness certificate from a third party for token renewal, and explore a partnership with the private sector for a waste-to-energy plant near the landfill site.

Hazardous waste disposal

The gathering resolved to approach Punjab Healthcare Commission for interim hazardous waste disposal from hospitals, implement traffic fine slabs based on vehicle type and size, and consider licence cancellation for repeated violations within six months, give a one-year relocation period to a cement plant operating in the ICT, all small restaurants and kiosks operating within the Margalla National Park must be closed down, and finally ban on burning solid waste in ICT.

A statement issued after the meeting said that the minister took proactive steps by commissioning two sub-committees. The first sub-committee, chaired by SAPM Dr Mohammad Jehanzeb Khan, will oversee the Waste-to-Energy Plant initiative.

The second sub-committee, chaired by the climate change secretary will focus on the initiative concerning hazardous waste from hospitals.

Senator Rehman issued a directive to the CDA, instructing it to submit a comprehensive plan for the establishment of the Waste-to-Energy Plant to MoCC&EC within the next three months.

She also reiterated that the single-use plastic prohibition regulation would be enforced from August 1, effectively prohibiting the use of single-use plastic crockery, including plates, bowls,

cups, and glasses, as well as single-use plastic cutlery, such as forks, knives, spoons, and chopsticks.

Moreover, single-use plastic in the food industry, comprising containers, boxes, cups, plates, and bowls used for serving or transporting food or beverages, along with single-use plastic stirrers, would also be banned.

The CDA and EPA were directed to promptly implement these measures and devise a communication strategy to effectively guide the population on these regulations.

Sherry Rehman expressed concern over these issues, recognising that they not only damage the city’s beauty but also threatened its natural habitat.

One of the key drivers of this problem lay in the unchecked urbanisation and construction activities in the capital city, leading to a growing gap in the effective implementation of the city’s master plan.

The meeting observed that industrial activities and vehicular emissions continued to degrade the air quality, demanding immediate action to safeguard the environment.

The minister asserted establishing protected areas and buffer zones to protect the green belt of Islamabad, and the CDA would not be allowed to make roads or any other infrastructure through the Margalla National Park.

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2023