Secretary Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Development, Zubair Ahmed Channa, expressing concerns about the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA)’s performance, existing bottlenecks, and strategic direction, has formed a committee headed by Director Admin Ashiq Langah and sought a report within a week.
Secretary Channa attributed the agency’s slow pace and current issues to possible officer incompetence and lack of interest. He emphasized the need for regular site visits, sample collection, and legal action for environmental protection. He urged officers to diligently perform their duties, including daily factory inspections, sample collection, and reporting of laboratory results and legal proceedings.
Secretary Channa directed the DG SEPA to form comprehensive field teams comprising technical experts, chemists, and inspectors. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the laboratories.
A digitization plan for SEPA includes assigning identification codes to industries and documenting inspection details, photos, and non-compliance data through a mobile app. Regional assessments will identify industrial zones and assign appropriate personnel.
Secretary Channa directed the DG SEPA to take immediate action against officials who shy away from complaints, site visits, or legal responsibilities.