KARACHI- Environmental degradation may cost Pakistan’s economy over Rs 365 billion every year of which inadequate water supply, sanitation and hygiene accounts for Rs 112 billion, agricultural soil degradation Rs 70 billion, indoor pollution Rs 67 billion, urban air pollution Rs 65 billion, lead exposure Rs 45 billion and land degradation and deforestation Rs 6 billion, says new Economic Survey of Pakistan 2013-2104.
According to research, some environmental experts believe the environmental degradation cost must have increased beyond Rs 450 billion per year. Pakistan is facing serious challenges of environmental pollution including land degradation, water contamination and air pollution. Industrial pollution is mostly unchecked and is getting worse day by day.