Balochistan Implements Climate Change Policy 2024; Major Environmental Initiatives Launched
Quetta: The **Standing Committee on Climate Change, Environment, and Forests & Wildlife** of the Balochistan Assembly held a detailed session under the chairmanship of **Prince Ahmed Umar Ahmedzai** at the Assembly Secretariat on Thursday. Senior officials, including **MPA Kulsoom Niaz Baloch**, **CM’s advisor Naseem-ur-Rehman Malakhel**, departmental secretaries, and heads of key agencies attended the meeting.
Officials briefed the committee on the **Balochistan Climate Change Policy 2024**, which has now been formally implemented, along with the establishment of a **Balochistan Climate Change Fund** with an initial allocation of **PKR 500 million**. The **Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)** highlighted that **45 brick kilns have been upgraded to modern zig-zag technology**, **28 chromite grinding mills relocated away from residential areas**, and **29 Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) and 18 scrubbers installed** in industrial units to curb pollution. Additionally, **11,000–12,000 kg of illegal plastic bags are seized monthly**, hospital waste is safely disposed of, and **146 environmental cases are pending in court**.
The **Forests & Wildlife Department** reported that under the **Forest Act 2022**, eight new rules and regulations, and three protected areas, including **Churna Island, Miami Hor, and Takatu National Park**, have been notified. The province now has **53 forest nurseries producing 3.8 million saplings**, with **1.8 million plants distributed freely** to citizens, institutions, armed forces, and NGOs. Afforestation and greening projects have been completed on **over 41,000 acres**, and a **management plan and wildlife endowment fund** have been established for **Astola Island**.
Officials cited **budget constraints, staff shortages, and incomplete legal transfer of forest lands** as challenges. The committee directed both departments to accelerate **practical measures for environmental protection, afforestation, and mitigation of climate change impacts**.
