Karachi: The Sindh Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has proposed to establish a special environmental police force in the province, a news source reported. For this purpose, the agency has submitted its recommendations to Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah.
It has suggested training 200 personnel for inclusion in the environmental protection police force. As per the recommendations communicated to the chief minister, the Sindh Police Department would conduct this training. Moreover, these personnel would be responsible for ensuring the implementation of environmental protection laws both in letter and spirit across the province.
The proposal states that the police force would be empowered to penalise both private and public organisations and individuals violating the environmental laws. They would be authorised to conduct raids, arrest violators, and register FIRs under the Environmental Protection Act.
With a Grade-19 officer serving as its provincial head, this environmental police force will have police stations in all divisions of Sindh. A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) would supervise each division. Each police station would comprise of one inspector and 15 police officials, and be provided with a police mobile.
SEPA officials have revealed that Karachi would get two such police stations if their proposal receives the cabinet’s approval.
SEPA Secretary Khan Muhammad Mahar stated that they had proposed the establishment of the environmental police force in light of the suggestions of the Judicial Commission on Water & Sanitation. He added that they had completed the documentation to facilitate this measure; adding that the appointment of the personnel would commence following the executive’s approval.
