Mushahidullah directs Pak-EPA to ensure environmental laws' compliance over Expressway expansion project

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Mushahidullah Khan Tuesday directed the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) to ensure compliance of environmental laws regarding the Islamabad Expressway expansion project launched recently by the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

The minister issued the directive while taking serious notice of the alleged violation of the Section 12 of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act-1997 (PEPA-1997) by the civic agency in respect of the Islamabad Expressway expansion project, said a press release.

He also directed the Pak-EPA to take necessary action against violators of PEPA-1997 in case of any violation of the environmental laws in respect of the project.

Expressing serious concern over launch of the Islamabad Highway expansion project without mandatory EIA, he said that the CDA should avoid implementing any project as long as prior EIA of the project was not conducted.

He said it was a mandatory obligation of the civic agency to comply with the environmental laws while launching development plans in the Capital and set precedence for others as a role model.

"We know that as per Section 12 of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act 1997, all departments, agencies and organiations are bound to get EIA report before initiating ay mega project. And, we will ensure compliance of such environmental laws at all levels and come what may," the minister emphasized.

Mushahidullah Khan cautioned that no projects would be supported, which were launched in disregard for environment protection anywhere in the country.

"All government, non-governmental departments and organisations must ensure that environmental impact assessments (EIAs) are conducted before launch of development or non-development projects in the country," he stressed.

He warned in strict terms that those, failing to do so, would be brought to book.

Mushahidullah said, "No project can be termed sustainable and environmental-friendly, if trees and green belts are destroyed due to it."

However, construction contractors must ensure that green belts and trees remain intact, he added.