Earth Day Seminar Highlights Environmental Challenges, Calls for Pollution-Free Planet

 The Earth Day is celebrated worldwide on April 22 to highlight the multiple environmental challenges faced by the planet and to promote a pollution-free environment so that our Earth and surroundings remain beneficial for human health.These views were expressed by Member of the National Assembly Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani while addressing a seminar as the chief guest. The seminar, titled “Our Power, Our Planet,” was organized by the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency in collaboration with the Climate Smart Network at the conference hall of the Virtual University of Pakistan at Mithi today.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Malani said that the day reminds us that environmental protection is a shared responsibility of all. He added that a healthy environment has been recognized as a fundamental right in Pakistan’s Constitution, reflecting the state’s strong commitment to environmental protection.He further said that the government is working on various initiatives to protect the Earth from environmental pollution, including the enforcement of environmental laws, promotion of clean energy development, tree plantation campaigns, and the establishment of institutions to combat climate change.He emphasized that major challenges such as water scarcity, pollution, and climate change require every citizen to play their role responsibly.On the occasion, Chairman of the Climate Change Network and noted environmentalist Professor Nawaz Kumbhar said that their organization is currently working in four districts of Sindh. He stated that rising temperatures are largely caused by rapid population growth, deforestation, urbanization, toxic emissions from industries, and smoke from brick kilns and vehicles.He pointed out a contradiction whereby, on the one hand, the government spends heavily to control population growth, while on the other hand incentives are given for each newborn child, which he termed a concerning situation.

He further noted that at the time of Pakistan’s creation, water availability was about 5,000 cubic feet per capita, which has now declined to less than 1,000 cubic feet. He highlighted that Sindh, especially Thar, is rich in tourist, religious, and recreational sites, with more than 3,000 locations in Nagarparkar alone. Promoting these sites could enhance the beauty of Thar and create economic opportunities for local communities.

Deputy Director of the Environmental Protection Agency Mirpurkhas Ali Muhammad Rind said that all possible measures are being taken to control environmental pollution. Industrial units have been directed to treat their waste through treatment plants before disposal. Actions are also being taken against smoke-emitting vehicles and brick kilns, including the installation of shower systems at brick kilns.He added that human interference with nature has led to serious consequences, which are increasing day by day. The only solution, he said, is to protect the Earth from pollution and make it greener.He urged people to plant more trees, conserve water, avoid plastic bags, reduce electricity consumption, and adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily lives.General Manager of Thar Foundation, Farhan Ansari, said that their organization has planted trees across more than 1.3 million acres. He highlighted that Tharparkar is rich in natural beauty and wildlife, including peacocks, deer, rabbits, and partridges, unlike many other parts of Sindh.He proposed that effective and immediate steps are needed to combat environmental pollution and suggested forming a committee to work collectively on a common platform for better results.Coordinator of the Climate Smart Network , Ijaz Bajir, said that their organization is working on several eco-friendly projects and raising public awareness through training workshops, seminars, and community meetings to guide people on protecting their environment.

Other speakers also addressed the seminar