PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF SINDH
ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
LIST OF STARRED ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR
MONDAY, THE 1ST DECEMBER, 2025
67 *Mr. Mazahir Amir:
Will the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Development be pleased to State:-
Is it a fact that pollution has become main threats to availability and reuse of water, fertilizers and pesticides are detrimental to available freshwater sources, mis-use of water resources is an author big issue shortage of water if so, steps the department intends to tackle the above issue?
ANSWER
SYED HASSAN ALI SHAH, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT:-
Yes, it is a fact that pollution has become a main threat to the availability and reuse of water. Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides are the reasons to contaminate freshwater sources, making them unsafe from human consumption. Mechanism is described as under:
1. Fertilizers and pesticides having diversified chemical composition can enter into water bodies through runoff, contaminating rivers, lakes and groundwater.
2. Overuse of fertilizer and pesticides can lead to soil pollution, which can leach into groundwater.
3. Pesticides can be toxic to humans and wildlife, even at low concentrations.
Misuse of water resources is indeed a significant issue, contributing to water scarcity. This includes:
● Groundwater over-extraction can lead to decreased water tables.
● Inefficient irrigation systems, wasteful practices and lack of water conservation technologies are the reasons of water shortage.
● Industrial, agricultural and domestics pollution can render water sources unfit for consumption.
To address these issue, Government of Sindh is working on it by adopting sustainable practices, such as:
● Enforcement of environmental laws to prevent pollution of water bodies.
● Water conservation
● Efficient irrigation system
● Water treatment and reuse
● Recycling and Reuse of sewage and Industrial wastewater in Industry and plantation for development of green belt in the cities.
118 *Ms. Qurat-ul- Ain Khan:
Will the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Development be pleased to State:-
Causes of pollution during last five years in Karachi city, as well as steps are being taken for its conclusion?
ANSWER
SYED HASSAN ALI SHAH, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT:-
It is submitted that over the past five years, Karachi, like many rapidly growing urban centers, has faced various pollution challenges stemming from industrial effluent and emissions, vehicular emissions, improper solid waste management and discharge of untreated wastewater. These factors have contributed to air, marine/coastal and land pollution, adversely affecting public health and the environment. The SEPA has taken the following steps:
120 *Ms. Qurat-ul- Ain Khan:
Will the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Development be pleased to State:-
Steps are being taken to prevent Karachi city from environmental pollution and make it green?
ANSWER
SYED HASSAN ALI SHAH, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT:-
Several steps are being taken to combat environmental pollution in Karachi and promote a greener, more sustainable city. Major initiatives are discussed as under:
With the coordination with traffic Police, Sind EPA is conducting regular Vehicular Emissions monitoring at various places of Karachi also Sindh EPA promote the use of cleaner technologies in industries to minimize wastewater and recycling of water.
429 *Mr. Muhammad Daniyal:
Will the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Development be pleased to State:-
(a) Is it a fact that the environmental impact assessments are to be carried out before commencing construction/operation under Section 17 (1) of the Sindh Environmental Protection Act, 2014;
(b) If answer to (a) above is affirmative, number of same carried-out in industrial areas of Karachi during January 01, 2019 to January 01, 2024?
ANSWER
SYED HASSAN ALI SHAH, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT:-
Yes,
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process that identifies and assesses the potential environmental effects of proposed development projects. It suggests mitigation measures for adverse effects while enhancing potential benefits, ensuring the development is sustainable. Sindh Environmental Protection Agency received 64 Environmental Impact Assessment reports projects located in industrial areas between January 1, 2019, and January 2024. These reports have been reviewed, and public consultations were conducted in accordance with the provisions of the SEP Act 2014, rules, and regulations.
502 *Syed Adil Askari:
Will the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Development be pleased to State:-
What plans are in place to raise public awareness about environmental issues and encourage sustainable practices?
ANSWER
SYED HASSAN ALI SHAH, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE AND COASTAL DEVELOPMENT:-
To raise public awareness about environmental issues, the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has established a dedicated public awareness section. This section disseminates information through various initiatives to educate the public about environmental concerns and promote sustainable practices. These initiatives include tree plantation campaigns, awareness programs, seminars, workshops, and clean-up campaigns of sea and surface water bodies. Additionally, SEPA has prepared television commercials (TVCs) through the information department on various themes for special occasions like World Environment Day. SEPA also celebrates other international days such as World Water Day and Earth Day. The overall purpose of these initiatives is to sensitize the public about environmental issues, increase awareness, and encourage them to adopt environmentally friendly habits.
KARACHI: G.M UMAR FAROOQ
DATED 28TH NOV: 2025 SECRETARY
PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF SINDH
