'Poor-quality fuel is one of major environmental hazards in Pakistan'

The poor-quality fuel, especially diesel is one of the major environmental hazards in Pakistan due to people's low incomes and limited access to high quality fuel like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas or electricity. This was stated by CEO IMC, Parvez Ghias while inaugurating the second annual 'Toyota School Environment Programme' here on Saturday.
He said that Indus Motor Company (IMC) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Pakistan are committed to create awareness regarding environmental conservation among youth of Pakistan and practically mobilising them to safeguard the rapidly-polluting environment so that the upcoming generations can breathe in safe environment and fresh air".
The purpose of the 'Toyota School Environment Programme' is to engage school students and teachers in a structured awareness programme to foster a sense of individual responsibility and accountability in future generations towards nature conservation.
The objective of the programme is to enable the students to generate an insight into ecodynamics and overall challenges to ecosystem. The total cost of the project is Rs 5 million, he added. The duration of the programme is one year and is starting from June, he said, adding that the project will be implemented in four stages. In first stage, he said, selection of schools/colleges and universities that would take part in the activities of the project will tackle place. In the second stage, thematic environmental conservation awareness raising will be held in schools/colleges and universities. During stage 3, there would be 3-D model making in schools while in the final stage, the carnival 2012 will be arranged.
"Last year, the project was launched in Karachi. The total cost of the project was Rs 57.4 million while the 38 percent of the total amount went straight for the flood-victims", he added. He said that for the last five years, a road safety project has been initiated in Karachi. According to the project, he added, the accident cases are being registered as a record and to spread awareness about how these accidents can be avoided by taking certain precautionary measures. About 0.170 million cases have already been recorded in this regard, he said.
Parvez Ghias and Deputy Director General WWF Pakistan, Dr Ejaz Ahmed, formally launched the programme by signing the partnership documents and vowed to support Pakistan through continuous industrial development and sustainable CSR programs while making continuous progress towards social development and environment preservation. Parvez Ghias, commending the collaboration with WWF Pakistan to launch the programme said that it would be a part of both parties' mandate and of mutual benefit to their environmental endeavours. It will contribute to the awareness level of future generations of the nation, he added.
IMC has launched several social projects and initiatives regarding road safety, education, environment, health, community development and response to natural calamities besides being a car manufacturer as it feels its responsibility to social development, he added.
Dr Ejaz Ahmed said that WWF Pakistan aims to further enhance public awareness by engaging the youth in environmental education activities. He said that The School Outreach Programme along with other activities of WWF Pakistan have succeeded in stimulating the imagination of children, encouraged participation and promoted public outreach among peers and parents.