QUETTA: A new climate change policy has been introduced in Balochistan, with Rs500 million initially allocated to set up the Balochistan Climate Change Fund, officials informed the provincial assembly’s Standing Committee on Climate Change, Environment, Forests and Wildlife on Thursday.

During a briefing to the committee, Department of Climate Change and Environment officials outlined new measures, including converting 45 brick kilns to modern zigzag technology and relocating 28 chromite grinding mills away from populated areas.

The efforts to curb pollution also include the installation of 29 effluent treatment plants and 18 scrubbers in various industrial units, officials presented the Balochistan Environmental Protection Agency’ performance to the committee.

The committee, with Prince Ahmed Umer Ahmedzai as chair, learned that the department seizes between 11,000 to 12,000 kilograms of illegal plastic bags monthly and is currently trying 146 environmental cases.

In a second session, the Forests and Wildlife Department reported that under the Forest Act 2022, they framed eight rules and regulations and established three new protected forest and marine areas: Churna Island, Miami Hor, and Takatu National Park.

The department informed that 53 forest nurseries were established, producing 3.8 million saplings, and they distributed 1.8 million saplings free of cost.

Furthermore, the completion of plantation and greening projects spanning over 41,000 acres has been achieved, and a management plan plus a Wildlife Endowment Fund have been established for Astola Island.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2025