Nawabshah, August 20, 2025 – On the directives of the Advisor to the Chief Minister Sindh for Environment, Climate Change & Coastal Development, Mr. Dost Muhammad Rahimoon, the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), Shaheed Benazirabad, has carried out a detailed environmental inspection of oil storage depots located in Taluka Daulatpur, District Shaheed Benazirabad.

The inspection, which formed part of SEPA’s ongoing campaign to ensure strict compliance with the Sindh Environmental Protection Act, 2014, highlighted several shortcomings at these facilities. Officials noted widespread neglect of environmental responsibilities, including the failure of many depots to renew their Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) and to implement plantation drives aimed at mitigating carbon emissions.

Key Findings from the Inspection

Regional Incharge SEPA, Mr. Ali Muhammad Rind, briefed the media about the findings of the inspection. According to him, the inspection team reviewed various aspects of environmental safety and compliance, particularly focusing on:

1. Environmental Management Plans (EMPs):
   Several depots had failed to submit the renewal of their EMPs despite repeated reminders. The EMP is a mandatory document that outlines how industries and storage depots will monitor, control, and mitigate the environmental impacts of their operations.
2. Plantation Drives and Green Initiatives:
   It was observed that most depots had not initiated plantation activities, which are essential to reduce the harmful effects of hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide emissions released into the atmosphere. Plantations serve as a buffer against air pollution, yet this important mitigation measure was largely ignored.
3. Environmental Monitoring Reports (EMRs):
   Many oil depots also neglected to provide their Environmental Monitoring Reports, which track ongoing emissions, waste management, and other operational impacts. These reports are considered vital for SEPA’s oversight function.
4. Overall Non-Compliance:
   A general lack of commitment towards environmental protection was recorded across most depots. Officials remarked that such negligence not only endangers the local environment but also contributes to broader challenges of air and soil pollution in the region.

Strict Instructions Issued

In response to these violations, SEPA’s inspection team issued strict instructions to the depot administrations, warning them to immediately bring their facilities in line with the law. “The management of each depot has been bound by SEPA to fulfill their environmental obligations without further delay,” said Mr. Rind.

He further cautioned that failure to comply would result in stern legal action, as prescribed under the Sindh Environmental Protection Act, 2014. “The law is very clear. Industries, storage facilities, and businesses operating without proper environmental safeguards cannot be allowed to continue unchecked,” he emphasized.

Legal Framework and SEPA’s Mandate

The Sindh Environmental Protection Act, 2014 places clear obligations on industries and businesses to adopt sustainable practices. Oil depots, given their potential for hazardous emissions, spills, and waste, are required to maintain updated EMPs and submit periodic EMRs. The legislation also empowers SEPA to carry out inspections, enforce corrective measures, and impose penalties or even closures in the case of severe violations.

Officials reiterated that the agency will not compromise when it comes to protecting the environment and public health. Oil depots serve as critical infrastructure for fuel supply, but their negligence in environmental matters could lead to significant ecological damage, health hazards for nearby communities, and long-term degradation of soil and water quality.

Submission of Inspection Report

Following the inspection, SEPA Shaheed Benazirabad has prepared a comprehensive report documenting the violations. This report is being formally submitted to the Director General SEPA for further action. Once reviewed, the Director General may issue penalties, enforce remedial measures, or in extreme cases, suspend the operations of non-compliant depots.

The move underscores SEPA’s renewed commitment to environmental accountability, particularly in high-risk sectors like fuel storage and distribution.

The Bigger Picture: Climate and Environmental Concerns

The inspection also draws attention to the wider issue of climate change and environmental degradation in Sindh. Shaheed Benazirabad, like many other districts, faces rising challenges of air pollution, deforestation, and the adverse impacts of industrial expansion. The unchecked emission of carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons from oil depots further compounds these problems, contributing to both local and global climate concerns.

Experts argue that businesses must not only comply with the minimum legal requirements but also take proactive steps toward sustainable operations. Plantation drives, use of cleaner technologies, proper waste management, and transparent reporting are critical to balancing industrial growth with environmental stewardship.

Message from the Government

Advisor to the Chief Minister Sindh for Environment, Climate Change & Coastal Development, Mr. Dost Muhammad Rahimoon, has repeatedly emphasized that environmental protection is a top priority of the provincial government. His directives for this inspection highlight the government’s focus on strict monitoring of polluting industries.

“Industries cannot be allowed to harm the environment and the health of our people for the sake of profit. The law will be applied equally to all violators,” he said in a recent statement.

Conclusion

The SEPA Shaheed Benazirabad inspection serves as a strong reminder that environmental negligence will not be tolerated. Oil depots and other industrial entities in Sindh are now under increased scrutiny, with the provincial government determined to enforce accountability.

By compelling businesses to renew their EMPs, submit monitoring reports, and initiate plantation drives, SEPA is taking firm steps towards ensuring cleaner air, healthier communities, and a sustainable future for Sindh.