Govt launches dual front to tackle marine pollution

July 17, 2025 (MLN): In a major push to combat marine pollution, the government has formed two committees to submit recommendations within 20 days, focusing on the Sewage Treatment Plant-III (STP-III) and the Combined Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) to strengthen pollution control and protect marine ecosystems.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, shared this development during a meeting of the Marine Pollution Control Board, said a press release issued today.

The Minister warned that marine pollution is damaging Pakistan’s blue economy by harming fisheries, tourism, and biodiversity, while also contributing to climate change, health risks, and economic losses.

He expressed concern over the board’s long inactivity, noting that this was only its fifth meeting in 15 years.

The Minister called for a nationwide awareness campaign on marine pollution. He stressed the need for stakeholder involvement and community engagement.

He urged strict enforcement of environmental laws, including penalties under the Merchant Shipping Ordinance and the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act.

These would apply to ships and industries polluting coastal waters.

He also advocated for greater operational authority for the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA). This would ensure better enforcement of pollution control regulations.

The Minister stated that land-based marine pollution could be reduced by up to 90% with focused action.

Marine pollution is damaging harbor infrastructure and accelerating erosion. It also disrupts marine habitats, sometimes forcing species to migrate or disappear entirely.

Sea-based sources such as ballast water discharge, ship waste, fishing, drilling, and shipbreaking were also flagged. These contribute about 10% of marine pollution.

The Minister called on Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and other maritime authorities to act strictly against sea-based pollution sources.

Mitigation measures to combat waste pollution proposed include nets on stormwater drains, fencing of rivers, and systems to remove floating trash from harbors.

Officials briefed the Minister on the severity of the situation in Karachi, where over 472 million gallons of sewage are generated daily, including nearly 100mil gallons of industrial waste.

This untreated waste is discharged through a vast network of stormwater drains into the Lyari and Malir rivers, eventually making its way into the Arabian Sea.

The Minister emphasized speeding up the Sewerage Treatment Project. He also stressed the need for new treatment plants in areas like Manora, Baba Bhit, Kalri, and Phitti nullahs.

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