LAHORE (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has issued instructions for reorganization of Environment department and restructuring of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for controlling pollution.
Addressing a meeting through video link to review measuring for controlling environmental pollution and climate change, the Chief Minister said the Environmental Protection Agency would be completely autonomous and responsible for implementation of environmental laws.
READ MORE: Environmental Protection measures by Punjab government
He said that a comprehensive strategy should be adopted for overcoming environmental pollution and maintaining a clean atmosphere.
He said the Environment department would have to play a vigorous role in this regard.
Shehbaz Sharif expressed indignation over laxity in the setting up of proposed agency for environmental protection, failure in its timely activation, and directed that Environmental Protection Agency should be restructured for improving efficiency of the department. He said that inclusion of the experts in environmental protection agency for its capacity building was a pressing need and immediate measures should be taken for this purpose.
He said that provision of a clean atmosphere to the masses was the responsibility of institutions concerned and they would have to discharge their duties efficiently.
READ MORE: Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency to monitor Carbon Emissions
The Chief Minister further said that immediate measures should be taken for necessary amendment in environmental laws and recommendations should be submitted in this regard within seven days.
He said that the performance of the Environment department was not satisfactory and it would have to display efficiency in accordance with the modern demands.
Provincial Minister for Environment Begum Zakiya Shahnawaz, Parliamentary Secretary Akmal Saif Chatha, Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning & Development and officers concerned participated in the meeting through video link from Civil Secretariat.