Smog intensifies despite safety measures

Authorities expand surveillance to protect environment, citizens

LAHORE:

With Punjab seeing unprecedented and increasing levels of smog, the authorities are establishing mobile units to monitor and eliminate the use of substandard fuel in steel mills and factories and keep a check on vehicles emitting smoke in Lahore.

Out of 15,000 inspections conducted during the ongoing year, the Punjab Environment Protection Department imposed fine on offenders worth a total of Rs410 million, filed more than 4,100 cases and sealed 500 manufacturing or production units that deviated from the environmental safety guidelines.

According to a report of the department, action is also being taken against factories for not installing smoke control devices.

However, despite these measures, the level of air pollution has not decreased and the air quality index continues to increase. This signifies presence of chemicals and dust particles in the air, which can prove to be a dire threat to human health.

People of all ages are affected by smog, with children and the elderly being more susceptible to diseases caused by air pollution. The alarming increase in pollution with the change of weather poses heightened risk of throat and eye-related diseases.

The provincial environment protection department has taken preventive measures by imposing a ban on burning crop residues and garbage to prevent air pollution across Punjab. In addition, anti-smog squads are being formed in all districts to monitor and control elements that contribute to pollution.

According to the report, in addition to the inspections and legal action, a control room has been established for complete monitoring of the anti-smog measures throughout the day and night.

In order to control pollution and make the atmosphere clean, the operation of any kiln without zigzag technology has been banned.

The department of environmental protection in collaboration with the department of industry and commerce is continuously monitoring congested industrial districts of Punjab, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Faisalabad, to control air pollution.

As part of the measures taken by the environment protection authorities, mobile smog units have been dispatched across Lahore.

The mobile units are responsible for taking action against vehicles that emit excessive smoke on the roads. They will also ensure that the use of substandard fuel in steel mills and factories is eliminated.

Officers of the district administration and police have been directed to provide full support during the anti-smog operations.

An official said the crackdown against industries and vehicles causing pollution was continuing without any let-up.

Punjab Environment Protection Secretary Usman Ali said the problem of air pollution could not be tackled in a few months.

“A permanent action plan has to be implemented the year round to eliminate the problem of smog,” he said.

The official added that action was being taken against crop residue burning and industries that emit smoke directly into the atmosphere, while squads were also being formed to act against those responsible for smoke emission in the streets.

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