KARACHI: A team of Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) carried out an inspection of Kaemari’s Ittehad town where they found several factories operating without having any system for air pollution control.

“The team found units of Abdul Rasheed Steel, SJ Steel, AJ Steel, Amna Steel and Nadeem Smelting Unit being operated without any mitigation measures for the control of air pollution in the vicinity,” a Sepa spokesperson said.

The unit, re-rolling mills and smelting plants, were discharging hazardous emissions in the ambient environment and used material such as old shoes, tyres and plastic items for burning, which were highly dangerous for human health and environment, he added.

The team, led by Sepa’s director general and deputy director technical Munir Ahmed Abbasi, ordered immediate halt of some units, while directing them to install a system to control emissions for the safeguard of environment and human health.

“The team also issued Environmental Protection Orders (EPO) for the purpose of preventing, lessening and controlling the discharge and to minimise adverse environmental effects. The factory owners were also called for a personal hearing to explain their position,” he said.

Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2023