KARACHI - Around 55,000 people die every year in the country due to various diseases caused by the air pollution, which is also inflicting a loss of Rs 90 billion on national exchequer. This alarming data was shared at a seminar on Rising pollution - Who is responsible, organised at Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) by National Forum for Environment and Health (NFEH) in collaboration with Medical and Social Welfare Committee of ACP. Karachi is ranked number one in noise pollution in the country and eighth in the world due to rising sound level, ranging between 95 decimal to 110 decimal. The recommended level is 85 decimal. Karachiites are generating 9,000 metric tons of waste, of which only 50 percent is properly disposed off, while the rest is burnt in open spaces. Throwing light on the issue, Dr Sajid Husain said,We have collectively damaged our natural resources and are indifferent and pathetic to environment. We have left nothing for our future; the mankind has ruthlessly polluted the environment by ignoring the principle of sustainable development. Chairman Medical and Social Welfare Committee of ACP, Dr Qaiser Sajjad, pinpointed that Karachi had become number one city in the country as far as noise pollution is concerned. He said that a survey of 41 spots in the city has revealed that noise pollution level was ranging between 95 decimal to 110 decimal against the recommended limit of 85 decimal. Prominent environmentalist, Dr. Sami uz Zaman, said that both the public and the concerned organisations were responsible for polluting environment. Malir and Lyari rivers, which were the source of fresh water supply, have now been polluted beyond limits due to discharge of industrial effluent. He underlined the need for adopting pragmatic approach rather than merely observing environment day. The industries and municipal organisations should be given guidelines in this regard. President NEFH, Naeem Qureshi, said that 35 percent of more than 1.7 million vehicles, plying on Karachis roads were defected and adding to environment pollution. He said that environment pollution was causing diseases like cancer, dermatitis and mental disorders. A prominent artist, Faisal Qureshi said that mankind has adopted an arrogant behaviour towards the earth; that is why it has to face food shortage. The seminar adopted a resolution, which called upon the state environmental departments to expedite pollution control efforts. The seminar also called upon the government to give representation to environment NGOs in federal and provincial environmental protection agencies and their performance should be brought in before the nation. The seminar also demanded the government to fully implement environmental protection laws in the country.