Punjab declares smog emergency

Smoke-emitting vehicles to be impounded, factories sealed

LAHORE:

The Punjab government declared a smog emergency for a month to combat pollution in the province, making it mandatory for all school students to wear masks.

The move came as the Provincial Disaster Management Authority declared the smog crisis a calamity.

Under the emergency measures, strict action will be taken against citizens who will not sprinkle water on gravel, debris and construction material to avoid dust. Continuous efforts to curb smoke emission from vehicles and factories were also ordered.

The Lahore administration imposed a ban on smoke-emitting vehicles, with plans to secure a large compound within 24 hours to impound those.

Moreover, the environment department is set to seal any industrial units causing pollution, with the unsealing process subject to court orders.

Meanwhile, 62 factories have been found contributing to smog in Lahore by using harmful material like plastic waste, tyres, rubber and old clothes as fuel. According to sources, the police Special Branch has sent a letter to the commissioner of Lahore, suggesting action against officers responsible for the continued operation of such factories.

The participants of a meeting chaired by Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi and attended by environmental experts concluded that shutting school and transport restrictions alone wouldn't alleviate the smog situation. Therefore, the smog emergency was needed, including making masks mandatory for students of schools across Punjab.

Naqvi has appealed to the public to use masks and instructed the caretaker provincial ministers to inspect schools. It was decided that strict measures would be taken against those not sprinkling water on gravel, mud and debris during construction.

Farmers were instructed to refrain from burning crop residue and dispose of it properly.

The government vowed to enforce measures against smog-emitting vehicles and factories while utilising all available resources for the purpose. Environmental and health experts gave recommendation for reducing smog and preventive measures.

On the other hand, the Special Branch report asserted that inspections and actions by officials of the environment department and district administrations against the factories causing pollution had been lax due to corruption.

It recommended an inquiry should to take departmental action against corrupt officers .

Punjab Environment Director General Zaheer Abbas Malik emphasised a zero-tolerance policy against officials involved in spreading pollution and corruption.

As part of steps to improve the environmental conditions, Lahore Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa set up an Anti-Smog Divisional Cell Helpline and urged citizens to reach out via telephone number 042-111425725 and WhatsApp number 0328-9491760 for complaints and information.

He also announced the establishment of smog counters in police stations in addition to relevant departments to swiftly address citizens' reports and complaints.

To promote awareness, educational institutions were directed to incorporate smog-related discussions and sessions, with scheduled visits by officials concerned to schools and colleges.

In a bid to combat environmental hazards, strict action is set to be taken against traffic officials if tractor trolleys carrying sand without cover are found entering an area.

The commissioner ordered all development departments to ensure the regular sprinkling of water in project site areas every two hours. The deputy commissioners will be responsible for monitoring and taking stringent action against stubble burning and the emission of black smoke from chimneys of brick kilns and factories. Random inspections of kilns that have converted to zigzag technology will be carried out, particularly during night.

Every vehicle emitting smoke will be impounded and released only upon obtaining a fitness certificate.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 2^nd, 2023.