Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah emphasized the importance of reducing Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) in wastewater treatment during a meeting with a high-level Polish delegation. The 14-member team, led by the Polish Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Polish Ambassador MaciejPisarski, expressed interest in joint ventures focusing on renewable energy, water management, air quality, green building, and smart city projects.
During the meeting at CM House, attended by provincial ministers and key officials, CM Murad highlighted that employing a combination of physical, biological, chemical, and advanced treatment methods can significantly reduce BOD and COD levels, resulting in cleaner water, healthier ecosystems, and cost-effective operations. The Chief Minister noted that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has installed over 200 wastewater treatment plants across various industrial estates in Sindh. Additionally, 87 tanneries are now required to use a combined effluent treatment plant, and 55 industrial units are in the process of setting up their wastewater treatment facilities. “We aim to utilize treated water to increase green cover in the province,” he stated, inviting the delegation to invest in these initiatives either directly or through public-private partnerships.
Quoting a recent EPA survey, Mr. Shah revealed that more than 650 industrial units in Sindh need wastewater treatment plants. He pointed out that the province’s 29 operational sugar mills and seven distilleries face significant challenges in complying with the Sindh Environmental Quality Standards of 2016, which mandate BOD levels of 80 mg/L and COD levels of 150 mg/L. Addressing sludge management, the CM and the Polish delegation discussed the high-water content in sludge, making it bulky and costly to transport and dispose of.
They agreed on the necessity of proper handling and storage facilities to prevent odours, pests, and contamination. Sustainable and environmentally friendly sludge disposal methods are a persistent challenge requiring substantial investment in infrastructure and technology. On the issue of dust emissions (particulate matter), Shah emphasized the importance of addressing PM pollution to protect public health and the environment. He noted that Sindh’s five cement industries, six coal-fired power projects, and various coal-fired boilers contribute to PM emissions, which reduce visibility and cause acid rain. Meeting stringent air quality standards necessitates significant investments in emission control technologies and continuous monitoring. After the meeting, both parties agreed to hold another session with the Energy, Environment, Industries, and local government departments to explore joint ventures. The CM directed the acting chief secretary to arrange these meetings.
