Peshawar, September 16,2024-The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced plans to strictly enforce the ban on the use and sale of polythene bags across the province in three months. This decision was made during the second meeting of the Environmental Protection Council, chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
Key discussions centered around tackling environmental pollution, leading to several important decisions. The council agreed to shift brick kilns across the province to Zigzag technology, which is more environmentally friendly. A project will be launched to provide soft loans to brick kiln owners, enabling them to make the necessary technological transition.
The council also approved the proposed Rules of Procedure for the Environmental Protection Council. One critical topic was the designation of key tourist destinations, including Naran, Kaghan, Shogran, Galiyat, Kumrat, and Kalam, as environmentally sensitive areas. The Environment Department was tasked with coordinating with relevant stakeholders to finalize proposals for the provincial cabinet’s review.
The meeting also focused on establishing a Climate Change Centre and a Climate Change Authority in the province. Officials were directed to consult with experts and partners to develop a feasible implementation plan.
It was further decided to update school and college curricula with content related to climate change, aligning it with modern educational requirements.
The forum instructed the Health Department to submit a report within a month on the current state of hospital waste management in the province.
Chief Minister Gandapur emphasized that environmental pollution is a pressing challenge that requires urgent and coordinated action. He directed all relevant departments to collaborate in creating a comprehensive strategy, identifying key issues, and proposing practical solutions to address environmental concerns.
