Satellite imagery to expedite action against stubble-burning

Smoke-emitting private and government vehicles to face action

LAHORE:

Central Control Room is relaying real-time information through satellite imagery to the deputy commissioners to ensure action against the burning of crop residues, the officials of the Department
of Environmental Protection informed a meeting on Tuesday.

The meeting, presided over by Acting Chief Secretary Abdullah Khan Sumbal, was further informed that eight new monitors have been installed at different locations in Lahore to check air quality.

The acting chief secretary directed that strict action be taken against those who burn crop residues and garbage. He said that the issue of smog is not only limited to a few big cities, therefore focused efforts are needed to prevent smog across the province.

He said that arrangements should be made to sprinkle water on roads to avoid fugitive dust that causes smog.

He also ordered indiscriminate action against smoke-emitting private as well as government vehicles.

The primary and secondary healthcare department secretary told the meeting that 11,245 confirmed dengue cases and 13 deaths have been reported so far this year, and there is an increase in dengue patients in Gujranwala and Multan.

Acting Chief Secretary Abdullah Khan Sumbal also asked all the deputy commissioners to ensure the implementation of SOPs, warning them that any laxity or negligence in efforts to overcome dengue and smog would not be tolerated as these issues directly impact people's health.

The acting CS said Punjab's anti-dengue measures are declared worthy of emulation, adding that the field officers must ensure the implementation of SOPs to control dengue and smog.

He also issued instructions to speed up the recruitment process of dengue staff in Gujranwala.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 19^th, 2022.