MAJOR environmental issues being faced now by the people include contaminated water supplies and air and noise pollution.

People in rural areas tend to overuse the already scarce natural resources degrading the environment. This is a social problem and can be only reduced with collective efforts. To reduce these environmental issues we cannot lower the pace of industrial progress, but we can adopt measures to neutralise the unwanted effects.

The government, instead of collecting funds from foreign lenders, for environmental protection should allot more funds for conservation efforts, implement legislative strategies, and provide incentive for firms meeting environmental standards.

I would also like to emphasise the importance of forestry, plants andgreenery, banning smoke-emitting vehicles, etc.

Qazi Shahrayar Akhter
Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 8th, 2018