KARACHI: Residents of Saleh Muhammad Goth in Malir demanded immediate action against three textile mills allegedly polluting air, water and soil in their area by emitting hazardous gases and discharging chemical waste.

They organised a rally, which was also joined by women and children in large numbers who raised slogans against the “illegal factories” and official indifference towards their plight.

“For the past three years, we have been raising our voice on this serious violation of provincial environmental laws and human rights that today threatens our lives,” said Mehrunisa Baloch, one of the rally participants, adding that the industrial units emitted hazardous gases almost the whole day.

Highlighting villagers’ suffering, Baloch said the air had become increasingly suffocating especially for the ailing, children and the elderly. “Children often complain of burning sensation in throat while many of us have developed skin infections. These health challenges are a huge burden on poor families, barely surviving on two meals.”

Sepa official says gaseous emissions of the industrial units in question were within permissible limits

According to villagers, all top officials, departments and offices concerned have been contacted in this regard multiple times, but to no avail.

They shared with the media the documentary evidence of their complaints that they have so far submitted to officials and departments in three years.

They included the deputy commissioner Malir, the area member of provincial assembly, the Chief Minister Secretariat, provincial minister of environment and climate change, federal environment ministry and the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa).

“We don’t know where to go and report this complaint. Everyone seems indifferent and the system lacks accountability,” shared Arshad Soleh, alleging that the mills were illegally operating on agricultural land.

He claimed that the mills operating in the village for several years now turned into a health hazard for the people three years back when they switched their boilers from costly electricity to cheap coal.

The industrial units, he alleged, were also releasing hazardous chemical waste that also threatened public health as villagers used underground water for drinking purposes.

‘Mills operations are not against environmental regulations’

Speaking to Dawn, Munir Ahmed Abbasi, Sepa’s deputy director-technical, explained that the environmental watchdog had inspected the three mills but didn’t “find their operation against environmental regulations”.

“We have been pursuing the matter for quite some time. We haven’t found them engaged in any practice that violates provincial environmental laws,” he said, adding that their gaseous emissions were within the permissible limits.

“The mills export their products and periodically submit their compliance reports to the department,” he said, adding that two units were being run on gas while the third one used wood.

About the land, he said issues pertaining to land didn’t come under Sepa’s jurisdiction. “But, we know that the status of the land on which this village exists and its adjoining areas was changed from agricultural to industrial in 1999.”

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2024

Opinion

Editorial

Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...
Tribunals’ failure
Updated 19 Nov, 2024

Tribunals’ failure

With election tribunals having failed to fulfil their purpose, it isn't surprising that Pakistan has not been able to stabilise.
Balochistan MPC
19 Nov, 2024

Balochistan MPC

WHILE immediate threats to law and order must be confronted by security forces, the long-term solution to...
Firm tax measures
19 Nov, 2024

Firm tax measures

FINANCE Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb is ready to employ force to make everyone and every sector in Pakistan pay their...