Environmental issues of prime importance: secretary

LAHORE: Punjab Environment Secretary Iqbal Chohan has said that the environmental issues were of prime importance; therefore, industrialists, particularly the export-oriented industry, should tackle them on priority in the wake of GSP Plus status granted to Pakistan by the European Union.

Addressing the office-bearers and members of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), he said that the Punjab government would extend every possible help to the industrial sector.

Compliance with the environmental standards is a prerequisite to do business with the developed world; therefore, the Environment Department is working tirelessly to educate the business community on these standards.

The secretary said that the government is encouraging the establishment of low-cost water treatment plants and plants to control pollution issues. He suggested formation of a committee for the establishment of water treatment plants in the industrial estates through public-private partnership.

Chohan urged the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry to hold seminars and workshops to create awareness among its members regarding environmental issues and latest technologies for water treatment, etc.

The Punjab government will support such initiatives in the larger interest of the economy, he said. LCCI EC members, including Amjad Ali Jawa, Dr Qurat ul Ain, Abdul Razzak and Waqar Ahmed Mian took up the issues being faced by their sectors with the environment secretary who assured to resolve them without any further delay.

Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry Senior Vice President Almas Hyder said that the industry cannot afford water treatment plants, as they involve a very high cost; therefore, the government should come forward and put up water treatment plants in all the industrial areas.  He urged the department to create awareness among businesses through its staff.  Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice President Nasir Saeed proposed that a test analysis or survey of industrial areas should be conducted in collaboration with the relevant associations so that some fact-finding could be done and efforts are made to create awareness among industries.