SEPA shuts 13 illegal tyre pyrolysis units as Sindh widens crackdown

KARACHI, Sep 14 (APP):On the directives of Chief Secretary Sindh Asif Hyder Shah, the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has intensified its crackdown against illegal tyre pyrolysis plants, shutting down 13 units operating in Keamari and Malir districts in violation of environmental regulations.

    The Chief Secretary directed the Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Development Department and SEPA to conduct inspections of tyre pyrolysis plants across the province and take strict action against all unauthorised and non-compliant units.

    He said activities contributing to air and industrial pollution must be dealt with firmly, while compliance with environmental laws and prescribed emission standards should be ensured without exception.

    Following the directives, SEPA shut down eight tyre pyrolysis plants in Keamari district. In a separate operation, five more units were closed in the Ghaghar Phatak, Dewan Cement Road and Bin Qasim Town areas of Malir district.

     Asif Hyder Shah made it clear that violations of environmental laws and prescribed emission standards would not be tolerated. He said enforcement had been intensified under a zero-tolerance policy and strict action would continue against individuals and organisations involved in the illegal operation of tyre pyrolysis plants.

   Sindh Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Development Secretary Faisal Ahmed Uqaili directed SEPA Director General Ashique Langah to further intensify enforcement operations against tyre pyrolysis plants operating in violation of environmental regulations.

    The secretary said the action was taken under the Sindh government’s ban on the establishment and operation of tyre pyrolysis plants across the province. He added that inspections and enforcement operations would continue, and units found operating illegally or without the required environmental safeguards would face strict action. Faisal Ahmed Uqaili said used and obsolete tyres are subjected to high temperatures under limited-oxygen conditions during pyrolysis to produce oil, carbon black, steel and gas. However, units operating without adequate emission-control systems, filtration arrangements and other environmental safeguards may release toxic fumes, fine particulate matter, volatile organic compounds and other hazardous pollutants into the atmosphere.

    He said emissions from unsafe tyre-processing operations could cause breathing difficulties, irritation of the eyes and throat, asthma and other respiratory problems. Prolonged exposure to polluted air could pose more serious risks to workers and residents of nearby communities.

    The secretary said pollution generated by poorly regulated tyre pyrolysis plants could affect ambient air quality and surrounding ecosystems. Ash, chemical residues, wastewater and other by-products, if stored or disposed of improperly, could also contaminate soil, surface water and groundwater resources.