Representational image. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD JAVAID
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has ordered strict implementation of a ban imposed on burning of tyres and ordered stern action against violators to avert smog risk.
Presiding over a high-level meeting to review anti-smog measures, he highlighted that smoke-emitting brick kilns cause serious environmental pollution and therefore, these brick kilns should be converted to zigzag technology.
He directed the Punjab Environmental Protection Department to adopt effective measures to transfer steel rerolling industries to environment-friendly technology.
The chief minister directed provincial government departments to remain fully alert and complete their departmental preparations.
He asked the Punjab Agriculture Department to make the ban on burning of crops’ residue stricter and added that action should be initiated against the industries causing pollution.
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Meeting participants were told that as many as 2,407 industrial units have been inspected by the Environment Protection Department and notices have been issued to 1,487 industrial units for improving their emissions.
It was highlighted in the meeting that 86 industrial units have been sealed and 91 FIRs have been got registered against 91 units for spreading environmental pollution.
Pakistan Meteorological Department officials apprised the meeting about the weather conditions of coming days, while SUPARCO experts briefed the participants about the places causing smog through satellite images.
Punjab Minister for Environment Muhammad Rizwan, chief secretary, IGP, additional chief secretary (home), provincial secretaries and others attended the meeting.
Earlier this month, the Punjab Home Department had imposed a ban on the burning of crop residue, solid municipal waste, plastic and leather items for three months across the province under Section 144 (6) CrPC, 1898.
Environment experts argue that burning of crop residue, solid municipal waste, tyres, plastic, polythene bags, rubber and leather items can create smog in the rice zone, additionally, it can create a problem for human life. It is necessary to adopt maximum precautionary measures to control smog in the country.
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The home department took this decision on the request of the Environmental Protection Department. In a recent meeting, it was indicated that to mitigate factors behind smog there is a need to adopt the preventive measures and enhance awareness.
The government was taking solid measures to deal with the threat of smog, adding that use of substandard fuel in factories and burning of crop stubble and garbage would not be allowed in any case.
The Punjab chief secretary had already directed all relevant departments to strictly implement the instructions on smog control warning that no negligence would be tolerated in this regard. He also urged people to play their role in efforts to protect the environment.
The secretary environment told the meeting participants that old BTK technology brick kilns would be kept closed during the time to be determined in consultation with stakeholders and only new zigzag technology kilns would be allowed to operate. Strict action would be taken against the violators, he added.
He maintained that workshops were being arranged for kiln owners to guide them about Zigzag technology and 316 kilns had been converted on this technology.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 25th, 2019.
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