Environment dept fines private banks, brick kilns

Rafiullah Mandokhail

ZHOB: In order to keep the environment clean and curb the rising level of dust and pollution, the Environment department Zhob – following several complaints from the citizens sprang into action and imposed fines on private banks and brick kilns, closed down poultry farms and issued notices to a construction company.

Assistant Director Environment department Sheikh Khaliq Dad Mandokhail said that on the directives of DG Environment and Chairman Environmental Tribunal the action has been taken against those violating the environmental laws. He said the department had issued notices to private banks to remove their heavy generators installed on the roadside.

The heavy generators emitting smoke and noise, creating problems for motorists and pedestrians and causing serious threat to their health, he added.

Moreover he said, poultry farms in populated Sheikh town area have also been closed down as they were also affecting public health. “The department has fined banks and brick kilns Rs.130, 000 collectively for violation,” adding removal of bus stand from the main bazaar and action against pressure horn will also be started soon.

The official further said that the commuters and motorists had long been complaining that the dust emission from the under construction portion of Zhob-D.I Khan highway has marred visibility and made the lives of passersby miserable. But after issuing notices, now the construction company has been agreed to sprinkle water on under-construction road on daily basis plantation of trees and installation of sign boards alongside in near future.

The official added that the dust is not only destroying the environment but also depriving the human beings of fresh air. The vehicular emissions, dust from construction work and crushing stones and the thick black smoke discharged from brick kilns are contributing to air pollution that causes respiratory diseases. “The department cannot stop mal-practice alone; it requires the help of the administration and local community as well” he added.