Balochistan recently adopted an inclusive climate policy and allocated Rs500 million towards creating its Climate Change Fund – marking an important step towards the implementation of its climate change policy across vulnerable regions.
Officials informed the Standing Committee for Climate Change, Environment, Forests and Wildlife of the provincial assembly’s Standing Committee on Climate Change, Environment, Forests and Wildlife about how the new policy includes multiple pollution-control and environmental management actions designed to strengthen long-term protection of natural resources.
The committee was informed that 45 traditional brick kilns will be upgraded with modern zigzag technology in order to reduce emissions, while 28 chromite grinding mills will be moved away from populated areas for increased public safety.
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Officials also noted that industrial pollution control efforts have been significantly expanded. To date, 29 effluent treatment plants and 18 scrubbers have been installed at various industrial units to minimize hazardous waste production while improving compliance standards.
During its briefing, the Department highlighted its ongoing crackdown on illegal plastic bags. Authorities seize between 11,000 to 12,000 kilograms per month of banned plastic bags that violate environmental regulation laws; currently, 146 environmental violation cases are under trial.
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Committee chair Prince Ahmed Umer Ahmedzai reviewed these updates and instructed his department to intensify monitoring efforts. Members understood that to reduce pollution effectively they need consistent enforcement between provincial institutions and district administrations, in addition to increased coordination.
At its second session, the Forests and Wildlife Department presented its progress under the Forest Act 2022. Officials reported the development of eight new regulations to protect forest protection and preserve wildlife conservation efforts across Ontario.
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The department announced the establishment of three new protected areas: Churna Island, Miami Hor, and Takatu National Park. These sites will help preserve marine ecosystems, forest habitats and biodiversity zones deemed especially sensitive.
Officials informed the committee that 53 forest nurseries had been established, producing 3.8 million saplings which have been distributed free to support community-based plantation drives.
The province has completed greening and plantation projects covering more than 41,000 acres, while also creating an Astola Island management plan and Wildlife Endowment Fund to fund long-term conservation activities.
