PDMA develops app to address smog complaints

LAHORE:

The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has developed a mobile application to help resolve smog-related complaints of the citizens on their doorsteps.

Presiding over a meeting regarding prevention of smog, PDMA Coordination Director Tauqeer Mehmood Wattoo said the ‘Sans App’ had been developed in the light of orders of the Lahore High Court to redress complaints related to the issue.

He said the test run of the app had been started after the preparation of a dashboard by the PDMA. Training of staff of the relevant institutions about the use of the app is also under way. PDMA Director Shayan Ali Jawa said passwords had been issued to the institutions concerned to log into the app.

The complaints received through the app will be forwarded to the relevant authorities in a timely manner and immediate steps will be taken to resolve them. The complainants will also be informed about the process.

The official said the ‘Sans’ App would be available to the public soon after removing complications encountered during the test run.

These institutions linked with the app include the PDMA, traffic police, metropolitan corporation, Parks and Horticulture Authority and the departs of transport, agriculture, industry and local government.

According to PDMA officials, 65 teams consisting of officials of the departments will be formed initially to immediately deal with complaints of people related to pollution.

The teams will take action against smoke emission from factories, vehicles and brick kilns. They will also act on complaints regarding garbage, construction waste and burning of crop residue.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 28^th, 2023.