Staff Reporter
An assessed total of Rs.30 million would be
required to update the essential testing facilities available at the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency
(SEPA) laboratories. This was registered during a meeting chaired by provincial secretary for
environment, climate change and coastal development, Khan Mohammad Mahar at the SEPA head-
office. Provincial Head of World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), Dr.Babar Ali, Special Secretary for
Environment, Navaid A Awan,Deputy Secretary (one), Tipu Sultan, Deputy Secretary (two)Junaid Rajput,
Additional Deputy General, EPA – Sindh, Waqar Hussain Phulpoto, Director, EPA – Sindh, Dr. Ashiq
Langah and other senior professionals present on the occasion reviewed existent human power
capacities as well as strength of technical resources at the SEPA disposal. Mahar on the occasion
appreciated WWF – Sindh for extending needed support in terms of essential training of SEPA staff
besides in-depth assessment of available expertise and status of relevant equipment. It was emphasized
that protection of environment and containment of pollution of all categories were prerequisite for
sustainable development, demanding proper coordination among all concerned departments and
stakeholders. It was observed with satisfaction that WWF has trained SEPA field staff from Karachi and
Hyderabad and has also supported the agency in a study to assess solid and liquid waste generated by
local industrial units. "The Sindh Government has therefore entered into an agreement with the WWF-
Sindh to not only enhance SEPA capacities but also improve its deliverance of services," said Mahar.
Advisor to the Sindh Chief Minister for Law, Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Development,
Barrister Murtaza Wahab, was said to be strictly committed to combat the menace of pollution and help
raise life quality and health standards of the citizens. Dr. Babar shared in detail steps being taken by his
organization to raise public awareness about safe atmosphere and the diverse role that could be played
by people in general for their safety against pollution and environmental degradation.
