Pollution from home industries

PADANG, West Sumatra: Home industries is expected to be the primary source of environmental pollution in many areas this year, Darman Siry, head of the West Sumatra Regional Environmental Impact Management Agency, said.

He said improving economic conditions would spur the growth of these small industries which in turn would likely cause greater environmental damage due to these industries limited means and lack of awareness of such issues.

"Environmentalists must work harder to raise the public's level of awareness," Darman said here on Sunday as reported by Antara.

He said there should also be greater coordination and control from local governments on the matter to protect the fine balance between man and nature.(mds)