EPD taking measures to control smog

Alongside deploying weather generators, a factory was sealed for excessive emissions

LAHORE:

The Punjab Environment Protection Department (EPD) aims to start a pilot project to use modern technology to control smog, under which smog dissolution “weather generators” would be installed in Lahore.

In this regard, a delegation from an international company called on Secretary EPD Dr. Naeem Rauf on Friday, delivering a briefing on the functions of 'Weather Generators'. The delegation stated that anti-smog generators are operating successfully in Dubai, Iran and Russia. “A weather generator is capable of dissolving smog in a 10 square kilometre area” the briefing said.

Secretary EPD directed the delegation to showcase the generators and said that all measures are being taken to control smog. “Short and medium-term projects have been prepared in this regard”, he added. Secretary Rauf said that it is the need of the hour to reduce the emission of harmful gases and to use modern technology to control air pollution.

Meanwhile, the EPD’s anti-smog squad sealed a polluting factory on Mominpura Road in Lahore. According to the EPD spokesman, extremely dangerous gases were being emitted from the facility. “The anti-smog squad also imposed a fine worth Rs50,000 on the factory responsible for spreading smog”, said the spokesman.

Secretary Rauf directed that the factory will not be opened until the specified amount of emissions is ensured. He added that anti-smog squads will remain active in the field on the instructions of Chief Minister Punjab. “Separate squads have been deployed for traffic and factories” said Rauf. He warned factories to reduce emissions, otherwise action will be taken.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 7^th, 2022.