Federal Minister for Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, Senator Sherry Rehman, on Tuesday, chaired a meeting of the Committee on Implementation of Pollution Control Measures in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). The gathering included key figures such as the Federal Minister for Defence, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Industries and Production, Syed Murtaza Mahmud, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Government Effectiveness, Dr. Mohammad Jehanzeb Khan, Chairman of CDA, Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, and Director General of EPA, Farzana Altaf Shah, a news release said. The committee meeting achieved consensus on proposals put forth by Minister Rehman. The committee resolved to strictly enforce CDA’s master plan against unplanned urbanization and high-rise construction, close unregulated industrial activity in residential sectors within six months for small industries and one year for large manufacturing units. It also decided to incentivize I-9 and I-10 sector industries to relocate within six months, repurposing the land for smart activities, adopt a zero-tolerance policy for polythene bag manufacturers, and mandate brick kilns to switch to zig-zag technology.
It also agreed to require commercial vehicles in Islamabad to obtain a Vehicle Fitness Certificate from a third party for token renewal and explore a partnership with the private sector for a Waste-to-Energy Plant near the landfill site.
The body gave consent to approach Punjab Healthcare Commission for interim hazardous waste disposal from hospitals, implement traffic challan slabs based on vehicle type and size, and consider license cancellation for repeated violations. Similarly, it was of the view that a one-year relocation period to a cement plant operating in the ICT, all small restaurants and kiosks operating within the Margalla National Park must be closed down, and a ban on burning solid waste in ICT. The decisions will be presented to the Federal Cabinet for approval. During the meeting, Minister Rehman took proactive steps by commissioning two sub-committees, the first chaired by SAPM Dr. Mohammad Jehanzeb Khan, will oversee the Waste-to-Energy Plant initiative and includes key members such as the Secretary MoCC&EC, the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, and the Commissioner of Rawalpindi.
The second sub-committee, chaired by the Secretary of the MoCC&EC, will focus on the initiative concerning Hazardous Waste from hospitals, with members including the Additional Secretary of MoCC&EC, Chairman of CDA, Director General EPA.
