EPA to hold seminars, awareness sessions on ‘Earth Day’ today

LAHORE:Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab, in a bid to create awareness among the masses about the importance of taking care of our planet, will observe ‘Earth Day’ across the province on April 22 (today).

This year EPA Punjab will observe Earth Day in all districts of Punjab and seminars and awareness sessions will be held at educational institutes, industrial estate offices and district environment offices in all over Punjab.

Along with developing organisational and leadership skills in the students, these activities truly embraced the spirit of Earth Day that revolves around enlightening the youth on the importance of saving the planet, said DG EPA Punjab Imran Hamid.

He said Earth Day will be celebrated with outdoor performances/activities, and banners and flexes will be placed carrying awareness messages for the masses. As per the theme of this year, “Planet vs Plastics”, a massive campaign will be launched in all over Punjab for the proper handling of plastic waste, he added.

EPA DG said from polythene bags to solid plastic waste, each entity will be dealt as per the law and strict action besides heavy fine will be imposed against the polythene bags usage. Special methods will be encouraged with public private partnerships for plastic recycling process and NGOs and industrial stake holders will also be engaged in this regard, Imran Hamid added.

He said all district officer environment will also ensure the proper plastic waste handling in the industries and strict action will be taken against the industries violate the plastic waste handling rules and regulations.

All concerned agencies will also be directed to clear the canals and drains from plastic waste and solid waste management companies will also be directed to take action against the users involved in burning plastic trash.

The Earth Day, founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson, was first organized on April 22 in 1970 to promote ecology and respect for life on the planet as well as to encourage awareness of the growing problems of air, water, and soil pollution.