PHC halts coal power plant operations

Orders inspection by EPA team within 15 days; bars plant from running without approvals

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PESHAWAR:

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has restrained the Kohat cement company from operating its coal-fired power plant, citing serious environmental and public health risks to nearby residents.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Syed Arshad Ali and Justice Inamullah issued the order while hearing a petition against the plant's establishment and operation. The court also issued notices to the provincial government, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Health Department, and other concerned parties, seeking their replies.

In its written order, the court directed the Deputy Director (Legal) of the Environmental Protection Agency to constitute an inspection team to examine the coal power plant in accordance with environmental laws and rules. The team has been ordered to submit a detailed report to the court within 15 days.

Advocate Ali Gohar Durrani, counsel for the petitioner, argued that the cement factory is located close to residential areas in Babri Banda, with the coal power plant being constructed just 200 meters away. He told the court that no No Objection Certificate (NOC) had been obtained from the EPA for the power plant. The lawyer contended that the existing cement factory is already causing pollution, and the addition of the coal power plant would worsen air quality and lead to the spread of various diseases in the area.

The court noted that Pakistan is a signatory to several international agreements on climate change and environmental protection. It observed that while the coal power plant is intended to supply electricity to the industrial unit, its operation is likely to have adverse effects on the health of local residents.

According to the order, the project has already commenced work and is emitting pollution beyond the limits prescribed under environmental laws. The court was informed that although an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) was approved earlier, the plant cannot commence operations without obtaining the necessary post-construction operational approval from the EPA.

The Deputy Director (Legal) of the EPA categorically stated that no such operational approval has been granted. He further informed the court that the agency is ready to conduct a fresh inspection of the plant in the presence of representatives of the petitioners.

The bench ordered that the parties shall not operate the coal power plant without obtaining the required approval from the Environmental Protection Agency. All parties have been directed to strictly comply with the court's orders.

The hearing of the petition has been adjourned until July 30.