‘Govt adopting measures to combat smog’

LAHORE:  

The government is adopting adequate measures to combat pollution and smog across the province, claimed Punjab Industries, Commerce and Investment Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal.

A crackdown has been launched against those causing air and environmental pollution, he stated on Thursday.

“Smog disrupts daily life and that is why a sustainable policy is being devised,” he maintained. The minister added that the government has already prohibited using substandard fuel in factories and burning crop stubble and garbage, while coal fired brick kilns have been sealed until December.

He maintained that zero negligence will be tolerated in this regard as controlling environmental pollution was of utmost importance.

The minister said the government has set up the Punjab Clean Air Commission to control pollution and smog. Recommendations and proposals have been presented by officials to prevent smog and pollution.

Iqbal added that a campaign will also be launched on social media to create more awareness about the environmental damage caused by burning solid waste.

The minister said that committees had been set up at tehsil and district levels to monitor the measures for controlling environmental pollution.

When contacted, Lahore Deputy Commissioner Anwarul Haq said that all industrial units must install smoke controlling devices to treat poisonous smoke. He also instructed the brick kilns association to adopt zigzag technology. Further, he instructed the agriculture department to raise awareness among farmers about setting crops on fire.

 

Smog engulfed Bahawalpur and its surrounding areas on Thursday. The local meteorological office predicted that light and moderate smog will prevail during the morning for the next few days.

“Smog has been occurring due to burning waste at rice factories and rising air pollution in India which is being directed towards Lahore and Bahawalpur,” said the met office. On Thursday, the highest maximum temperature was recorded to be 33 degrees Centigrade while the lowest was 19. Humidity was recorded as 32%.

The met office has predicted dry weather with chances of smog during the morning over the next 24 hours. Health expert Dr Haroon urged authorities to tackle air pollution caused by smoke emitting vehicles.

“Authorities and departments concerned should take measures against burning rubber tyres and smoke emitting vehicle immediately,” he said.

He advised people to avoid bringing little children out in the open, especially during the morning.