Environment protection clubs on the cards

Under the Punjab Clean Air Policy, the establishment of environmental protection clubs in educational institutions across the province will commence by August 15.

These clubs, consisting of students and teachers, will conduct awareness-raising events for pollution control and participate in tree-plantation initiatives within the educational premises.

In a bid to monitor air quality and track sources of pollution, the Environment Protection Department has authorised in-office online air quality monitoring using Google. This system will help track emissions from brick kilns, stone-crushing units, and burning of crops and waste.

According to official sources, technical work has already begun, and information regarding brick kilns, stone-crushing units, and smoke-emitting factories is now available online.

The officers will promptly inform assistant commissioners and take action against visible air pollution sources, they said.

Environment Protection Department Director General (DG) Zaheer Abbas has directed all district environment protection officers to commence their efforts in establishing environment control clubs as soon as educational institutions reopen. He has emphasised the launch of anti-smog squads ahead of the pollution season, declaring a zero-tolerance policy towards smog this year.

To streamline operations, specific departments have been assigned responsibilities to prevent the spread of polluting smoke. The Housing Department will address spray-related measures, while the Department of Municipalities will take action against garbage burners.

The Department of Agriculture will tackle farmers who burn agricultural leftovers.

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