ISLAMABAD, Jun 4 (APP): Minister for Environment, Hamid ullah Jan Afridi on Wednesday informed the National Assembly that the government has formulated a plan to increase one percent forestation by 2015.

“Under this plan, forests will be grown over one million acres of land,” he said while responding to various queries during “Question Hour.”

He said that the increase in forestation will have positive impact on the living standards of the people.

The Minister also informed the Lower House that effective measures are being taken to control environmental pollution.

He said that policies have been made to control deforestation and ensure sanitation.

About environmental assessment report of the construction of roads, underground passes and overhead bridges in the Federal Capital, he said under section 12 of Pakistan Environmental Protection Act (PEPA), it is mandatory requirement to undertake environment assessment study of the projects which are likely to cause adverse environmental impact.

The development projects pertaining to roads, underpasses and overhead bridges in the Federal Capital, were initiated without submitting EIA reports, he added.

He said when EPA reminded CDA of this mandatory requirement, its Board decided to carry out EIAs of all the future projects and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) of the ongoing projects.

Hamid ullah Jan said Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of Environment has taken cognizance of the situation and has proceeded in accordance with the provision of the Paksitan Environmental Protection Act 1977 against these violations.

The case has been filed in the Lahore environmental Protection Tribunal, he added.

He informed that the CDA has submitted Environmental Management Plan of the projects which have already been completed are at advance stages of execution.

Dust, noise and cutting of trees are identified as major issues pertaining to environment.

Mitigation measures like plantation of trees and control of dust and noise through onsite control techniques have been suggested, he added.

The Minister also informed that a summary to appoint a judge for Environmental Tribunal has been sent for approval.

About waste disposal, he said it is mandatory on the CDA to take necessary steps for the waste disposal.

He pointed out that Environmental Tribunal can impose a fine of Rs.one million to any department on the violation.