EPA to Hold Seminars and Awareness Sessions Today on ‘Earth Day’

LAHORE:Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Punjab, in a bid to create awareness among the masses about the importance of taking care of our planet, will celebrate ‘Earth Day’ across the province on April 22 (today).

This year, EPA Punjab will celebrate Earth Day in all districts of Punjab and seminars and awareness sessions will be held at educational institutions, industrial estate offices and district environment offices across Punjab.

Besides developing organizational and leadership skills in the students, these activities truly embraced the spirit of Earth Day, which is all about educating the youth about the importance of saving the planet, said DG EPA Punjab Imran Hamid.

He said Earth Day will be celebrated with outdoor performances/activities and banners and flexes will be placed with awareness messages for the masses. Under this year’s theme, “Planet vs Plastics”, a massive campaign will be launched across Punjab for proper handling of plastic waste, he added.

EPA DG said that from polythene bags to solid plastic waste, every entity will be dealt with as per the law and strict action will be imposed against the use of polythene bags in addition to heavy fines. Special methods will be encouraged with public-private partnerships for the plastic recycling process and NGOs and industrial stakeholders will also be involved, Imran Hamid added.

He said that all district officials will also ensure proper disposal of plastic waste in the industries and strict action will be taken against the industries violating the rules and regulations for disposal of plastic waste.

All concerned agencies will also be directed to clear the canals and drains of plastic waste, and solid waste management companies will also be directed to take action against the users involved in burning plastic waste.

Founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day was first organized on April 22, 1970 to promote ecology and respect for life on the planet and to raise awareness of the growing problems of air, water and encourage soil pollution.