Govt imposes ban on burning trash, crop residue

Move an effort to curb air pollution, prevent smog in province

LAHORE: In an effort to curb pollution and prevent smog, the Punjab government has decided to impose a ban on burning trash, plastic and crop residue for the next three months.

According to a notification issued on Tuesday, the government has decided to impose Section 144 to reduce smog which will be in effect from October 1 to December 1. The notification was issued by Home Department Additional Chief Secretary Syed Ali Murtaza.

Meanwhile, measures for combating smog were reviewed during a meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Secretary Yousuf Naseem Khokar at the Civil Secretariat on Tuesday.

Administrative secretaries of various departments, Lahore chief meteorologist and other concerned officers were also present for the meeting.

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It was decided to take action against individuals burning crop residue and trash as well as vehicles and factories contributing to air pollution.

The chief secretary said that immediate steps are being taken to tackle smog. Preventive measures and awareness campaigns are essential steps for preventing smog, he said.

All relevant departments have been told to strictly adhere to the instructions issued regarding smog and no negligence will be tolerated in this regard, he warned.

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The Environment Protection Department secretary stated that only kilns using zigzag technology will be allowed to operate during the winter months. He explained that the department has banned the construction of new kilns using the old technology.

Further, at least 130 steel mills contributing to environmental pollution have been sealed, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 2^nd, 2019.