KARACHI: The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) has directed coal importers to remove stockpiles of their goods from unauthorised places within three days and store them at the Pakistan International Bulk Terminal (PIBT).

The action had been taken after reports emerged that coal was being dumped in the open at various places in the city, which has endangered public health and the environment.

The areas where coal stockpiles were found included Adil Kanta off National Highway near Gulshan-i-Hadeed, Ghaghar Phatak, Ali Hassan Kanta inRazzagabad, Juma Goth, and Cattle Colony.

`Coal importers have been asked to immediately remove stockpiles of coal from unauthorised places in Karachi within three days.Coalcannot be stored at any place except the Pakistan International Bulk Terminal. If any violations occurred, stern action will be taken against the violators,` says a press release.

Improper handling of coal is also a violation of the order of Supreme Court dated 20-06-2018 under the Human Rights Case No.

29999-S, it adds.

The press release also states that 12 coal companies were called for `personal hearing` after which directives were issued.