Anti-smog steps prolong relief brought by rain

The smog situation in the provincial capital is likely to remain satisfactory during the next few days after a recent spell of rain provided relief to the citizens from a hazardous pollution level.

The air quality index recorded in the city has dropped from 400 to around 200 after the rain, while an anti-smog drive is being carried out across the province by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and allied departments. Measures are being implemented to curb pollution caused by emissions from vehicles, farms, factories and brisk kilns.

A PDMA official said on Saturday that a modern monitoring cell set up at the authority was using the latest technology to monitor anti-smog activities being carried out throughout the province. He said the transport sector was contributing 42 per cent of the total smog. To control transport emissions, stringent steps were being taken by the PDMA, he said, adding that a fine of over Rs30 million had been imposed on smoke emitting vehicles till November 18 in the provincial capital besides registration of 4,998 FIRs.

During the last 24 hours, as many as 218 smoke emitting vehicles were impounded whereas 43 industrial units were sealed besides arresting eight violators of environment protection laws. A fine of Rs1.2 million was imposed and 98 FIRs registered.

The officials said an operation was also being conducted against encroachments that were causing pollution as a result of traffic congestion.

The concept of ride sharing was being promoted to reduce the number of vehicles travelling on the roads by discouraging single persons riding cars.

He said electric vehicles would prove to be a vital source to tackle environmental problems in the future. The provincial government was working on plans to replace vehicles using traditional fuel with environment-friendly electric vehicles. In the first phase, locally manufactured electric rickshaws were being introduced, which would help in decreasing air pollution in the city.

He said the electric rickshaws would also be economical as compared to traditional three-wheelers. Availability of spare parts and maintenance of the new vehicles would be ensured.

As a large number of passengers in the provincial capital used public transport, the government is planning to ply electric buses, the official added.

The PDMA is also using latest satellite images acquired through the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Corporation (Suparco ) to identify instances of stubble burning in fields and prompt action is being taken with the help of the revenue and other departments to curb the practice. FIRs were being lodged by the departments concerned, he added.

The official said massive crop residue burning had been witnessed in India, which was adding to the intensity of smog in Pakistan.

The PDMA official said water sprinkling was also being carried out to minimise dust, which was also a source of smog.

Water sprinkling was carried out in 1,020 localities in last 24 hours.

All kilns operating on old technology have been closed down until December 31 and only the kilns using the latest zigzag technology are allowed to operate. December 31 is also the deadline for converting all the kilns to then technology causing less pollution.

The provincial government is facilitating the brick kiln owners in getting loans amounting to Rs1.2 million to convert their kilns to the latest technology.

The official said 32 brick kilns were sealed during the last 24 hours over violations of restrictions imposed to reduce smog.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22^nd, 2020.