Smog affects Mepco’s transmission system, flight schedule

Power supply to 25 grid stations disrupted

MULTAN: South Punjab is in grip of severe smog due to maximum variations in temperature, which has also affected the transmission system and flight schedule.

The tripping disrupted power supply to at least 25 grid stations. Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) General Manager Sarfraz Ahmad Hiraj said that duties had been assigned to grid system operation officials and staff at grid stations under the directions of MEPCO CEO Muhammad Akram Chaudhry.

He said that staff had been directed to remain present at grid stations across the MEPCO region so that electricity supply could be restored in case of fault at MEPCO lines.



Hiraj said that National Transmission and Despatch Company circuits of 220 KV from Muzaffargarh to Bahawalpur were affected. He maintained due to the disruption, at least 25 grid stations of MEPCO connected with this line tripped.

Earlier, the flight schedule at Sialkot International Airport was also affected due to smog. Rough weather and low visibility hampered flight operations which resulted in delays.

The smog comprising nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur and other aerosols is causing health issues for the citizens who have been complaining about breathing problems, eye infections and minimum visibility on roads.



Commuters travel through smog in Faisalabad. PHOTO: EXPRESS

Several districts have been badly affected by smog due to release of smoke from factories.

The district governments have taken special measures for the safety of the citizens and special cleanliness drives were launched in this regard.



Meanwhile, doctors urged the citizens to take special care as smog could cause symptoms of flu, throat and fever irritation. They stressed the need to take precautionary measures, especially during outdoor movement.

They said that citizens should cover the mouth with mask and use glasses to avoid health problems.

Earlier, environmentalists said fumes from cars, burning of trash and smoke from industries, are some of the sources of pollution, which cause smog when coupled with dry and cold weather.

They said it was unfortunate that the government failed to come up with a strategy to combat air pollution, despite it being harmful for both humans and animals, especially for cattle, to inhale smog.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 10^th, 2017.