The Balochistan Environmental Protection Act, 2012 (Balochistan Act No. VIII of 2012) provides the legal framework for the protection, conservation, rehabilitation and improvement of the environment in Balochistan. It addresses pollution prevention and control and promotes sustainable development. The Act was passed by the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan on 24 December 2012, assented to by the Governor on 9 January 2013, and published in the Balochistan Gazette on 18 January 2013.
Key Provisions of the Act
Section 13 – Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
Provides for the assessment of the environmental impacts of certain plans and programmes and requires environmental considerations to be incorporated into policies, plans, programmes and strategies.
Section 14 – Environmental Quality Standards and Pollution Control
Prohibits the discharge or emission of effluent, waste, air pollutants or noise at levels exceeding applicable Environmental Quality Standards or likely to cause significant adverse effects on the environment or human health.
Section 15 – IEE and EIA
Requires applicable public and private sector projects to obtain approval of an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) or, where appropriate, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before construction or operation. EIA review also provides for public participation.
Sections 16 & 17 – Hazardous Waste and Substances
Section 16 deals with the prohibition of import of hazardous waste, while Section 17 regulates the handling of hazardous substances and licensing.
Section 18 – Electronic Waste
Provides specific provisions concerning electronic waste (e-waste) and its environmental management.
Section 19 – Solid and Hospital Waste Management
Provides for controls relating to solid waste and hospital waste management, including requirements concerning waste management and licensing.
Section 20 – Management of Water Resources
Provides for sustainable management of water resources, including measures concerning groundwater, surface water, agricultural, industrial, mining and urban uses, as well as protection of water resources from pollution.
Section 21 – Regulation of Motor Vehicles
Regulates motor vehicle emissions and noise and prohibits operation of vehicles that exceed applicable Environmental Quality Standards.
