CRITICAL REVIEW OF NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY STANDARDS OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

The National Environmental Quality Standards of Pakistan were designed in 1993 and after that Pakistan did not revise the quality standards. With the passage of time, the necessity for revision of the quality standards has been increased, as many research works identified the new parameters in environmental resources. Also it is noticed in some research works that the existing parameters should need to be re-examine to identify the updated limits. The purpose of this study is to identify the new parameters for further investigation to update the National Environmental quality standards of Pakistan. This study is also highlight those parameters which are added in the standards but their limits need to be re-examine. The study was conducted by performing the comparative review of Pakistan quality standards with India, China, USEPA (for Effluents) and WHO. The data has been collected from secondary data sources like journals, publications, research work and government issued notifications. In the data comparison it is has identified that 8 new parameters (Aluminum etc.) of fresh water needs to added in the standards and 5 parameters (Barium etc.) which limits need to be re-examine. In the case of ambient air 4 new parameters (Nickel etc.) are found which need to be added and 4 parameters (Sulphur Dioxide etc.) need to be review. It is also identified that the design practice for quality standards of Pakistan for Noise, Motor Vehicle Exhaust, Gaseous Emissions, Municipal and Industrial effluents needs to be updated like WHO, India, China and USA. With this study, the gaps in the quality standards are identified to make the continual improvement inconsideration. All the new identified parameters and limits of parameters for review need the further investigation. It is recommended to Pak EPA for conducting the revision of NEQS and add maximum parameters in quality standards, also use the updated practices for designing the quality standards to get the maximum efficiency in controlling the environment as well to restrict the damage from base source.