Punjab Intensifies Efforts to Reduce Severity of Smog
APP
Lahore: The Punjab government is committed to adopting a holistic approach to combat air pollution and smog in the province.
Following directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, efforts have intensified since April, focusing on various sectors including agriculture, transport, environment, industry, energy, education, and health.
To tackle the longstanding issue of smog, which severely impacts the quality of life from October to February, the government has launched a series of measures aimed at reducing its intensity.
From April to September, a total of 12,540 industrial units were inspected, resulting in 4,403 notices issued, 117 units demolished, and 594 sealed. Furthermore, legal actions were taken against 361 establishments, with fines totaling Rs. 70 million imposed.
In an effort to regulate vehicular emissions, officials conducted checks on 75,881 vehicles, leading to 18,069 challans, the cancellation of routes for 24 vehicles, and the closure of 13,678 smoke-emitting vehicles. Additionally, fines amounting to Rs. 32 million were levied for violations.
During the six-month period, inspections were also conducted at 8,810 construction sites. Out of these, 26 were sealed, and 376 received notices.
A total of 38,528 kilns were inspected, resulting in 9,617 notices, the demolition of 240 kilns, and 1,012 closures, with cases registered against 217, leading to fines of Rs. 89 million.
Environmental Initiatives
As part of an anti-plastic campaign, 59,389 inspections were conducted, resulting in 191 complaints and fines totaling Rs. 1.9 million. In a significant green initiative, 36 million trees were planted across Punjab, with 4.8 million saplings specifically planted in Lahore. The government is also introducing 5,000 electric buses, with 1,000 set to operate in the first phase, alongside a successful e-bike scheme for students.
To monitor pollution levels, devices will be installed at key intersections in cities, and the Safe City cameras will aid in identifying smoke-emitting vehicles.
The government plans to deploy 2,000 interns for three months in Lahore and Faisalabad to monitor environmental compliance and enforce plastic bans. An anti-smog squad has also been appointed in Gujranwala to oversee industrial emissions, and drone technology will assist in industrial inspections.
Police Crackdowns
Inspector General of Police Punjab, Dr Usman Anwar, is spearheading efforts to curb smog by supervising crackdowns on vehicles and factories contributing to air pollution.
Since January, 729 individuals have been arrested, and 939 cases have been registered during anti-smog operations, with ongoing efforts across the province to enhance environmental protection.
Noted environmentalist Mahmood Khalid Qamar emphasized the need for immediate action, suggesting increased water sprinkling on roads to mitigate smog. He pointed out that the high air quality index in Lahore is exacerbated by crop residue burning in India.
Qamar called for the implementation of environment-friendly solutions and solid policies to significantly improve pollution levels, as Lahore continues to rank among the world’s top ten most polluted cities since 2017.
