It is an unfortunate human nature that we are flabbergasted by things which happen to affect us directly such as the ongoing Corona pandemic that is piling up the bodies all around the world. Alas! We fail to realize that there are certain phenomena which may not have direct consequences on human health in short term and therefore they are usually overlooked but they have more severe and deleterious upshots on our existence. Rampant pollution propagation and climate change are such indirect and far more gruesome issues. What we require is to understand that the physical environment around us does not only contain aesthetic value, rather it also preserves the quality of air we breathe in, the water we drink and the land we inhabit, along with the diverse existence of flora and fauna on which our survival as well as our luxuries depend on.
Curbing pollution and climate
change vulnerabilities are now topping the list of international security
agendas and Pakistan is ranked 169 in its environmental performance according
to Environmental Performance Index of countries. Impaired environmental
performance of Pakistan is characterized by a range of issues from political
mismanagement to public unwillingness and low technological development in the
country.
In one-on-one conversation with the senior inspector of Punjab
Environmental Protection Agency, Romaisa Babar, few knots of this environmental
conundrum were untied. Besides lagging behind other countries in the matter,
the senior inspector did not see the country's pollution conditions as worst
overall. She said, "There are a lot of steps being taken to control the pollution
level such as the promotion of zig zag kilns, large scale tree plantation
campaigns and stringent vehicular monitoring etc." She was also of the
view that research and development are of great importance in controlling
environmental pollution and Pakistan is already collaborating with various
national and international agencies in this regard such as WWF and IUCN. But
there is a need of push to get the research outcomes implemented here in
Pakistan.
In the wake of technological revolution as urbanization and industrialization bloomed, it became vividly clear to human mind that environmental and socio-economic development are co-dependent and equally necessary for human survival. Therefore, one cannot be sacrificed for the sake of the other; instead, a comprehensive mechanism of sustainable development needs to be promoted. Environmental Impact Assessment, a process which thoroughly examines the socio-physical impacts of a developmental project in an area, is a crucial element of this mechanism. When questioned about Pakistan's EIA performance, Romaisa stated, "EIA is well performed in large scale projects but when it comes to smaller scale projects, it requires improvements. The EIA in Pakistan is considered more as a way of getting NOC from government to carry out projects--more like just a legal binding--due to which it does not attain its desired outcomes. Its goal can only be achieved if each and every step in its process is implemented in its full spirit." She also said that she was not hesitant in saying that there is a serious flaw in the system of administration but she was still hopeful to cope well with it in future. An extensive institutional framework is required to efficiently manage and administer natural resource and physical environment along with the proper scientific and technological training of the staff. Unfortunately, Pakistan needs to take serious actions to improve its institutional framework. " I cannot say I am satisfied by the working of EPA because I feel there is much less attention given to capacity building of the department and to combat pollution, there is a need of regular scientific and technologically aided trainings to get best outcomes." said the senior inspector.
But administration alone
cannot be blamed for inefficient performance because it is a complex task which
requires the effort of every individual. In matters where large scale
improvements are necessary, both public awareness and governmental management
programs act as linchpins of the same machinery. Seconding the integrated
approach towards environmental management, Romaisa said, "No entity alone
can solve this issue. Public willingness must be streamlined with governmental
support and priority. Class disparity is dominant in Pakistan's society so instead
of implementing programs from large scale, they ought to be started from
smaller scale and let the polygon of change grow larger." She also felt
that other than these, there are some other vital issues faced by EPA in
ameliorating pollution and contamination such as lack of funds, human resources
and power delegated to lower level.
Deteriorated environment may not be seen as a direct survival threat to human species by many but it serves as a slow poison that hampers the healthy growth of environment and consequently has fatal effects on human health and security in long term. Although Pakistan has redirected its path on more rational and environmental friendly development, still, a lot is needed to be done regarding the issue. "As far as future is concerned, I am positive that things are changing and there will be better management." exclaimed the senior inspector. She was appreciative of Prime Minister's Billion tree project saying that planting more trees is our last armor against climate change. But she also shared her concern that not much attention is being paid to whether a certain species of a tree is well suited to an environment or not. Considering the rampant impacts of climate change, it should also be incorporated in the plan that planted trees show productive growth in a particular environment and they should also be economically viable. Punjab EPA also tries to promote the planting of more fruit trees and trees which are of indigenous nature to prevent the over growth of invasive species which impedes the growth of other floral ecosystems. She was optimistic that every cloud has a silver lining and betterment of environment starts from individual change and society of Pakistan is now embracing the positive change with open arms more than ever.
Every change requires strong will and guided conscience. With accelerating importance of education and individualism, cleanliness and healthy life habits are picking up pace in Pakistan. With comprehensive and integrated planning, human and economic resources can be harnessed for the ecological prosperity in the country.
Written by: Amna Khan - Graduate in Environmental Sciences
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