ISLAMABAD: Smoke emitting from small factories and commercial units in several areas of Rawalpindi has not only been causing environmental pollution, but also contributing to fatal diseases, reveals a survey report.
The Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has allowed several small factories and commercial units to operate in many areas without keeping a check on their standard operation procedures, as smoke emitting from these units have badly polluted the environment..jpg)
During a survey, it transpired that these units are functioning on Fateh Jang Road, Chakri Road, Dhamial Road, High Court Road, some parts of GT Road, Asghar Mall Road, and Saidpur Road and other areas after the RDA declared these locations as commercial areas.
Residents living in these areas said that they have been facing asthma and other lung and skin related diseases owing to the rampant pollution in the area. They said that poultry shops operating in these areas throw filth on the roads and in open areas, causing a spread of infectious diseases.
Sources in the district government said that these units have not obtained NOCs from the environment protection department for commercial operations.
The sources said that commercialisation of more roads including a major part of Gulrez Road in Askari-14, Shami Road, Mohalla Raja Sultan, Defence Road and Morgah Road was under consideration, which may further cause environmental pollution.