Long term anti-smog measures on the cards

Punjab Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare Dr Jamal Nasir has said that the caretaker government has initiated long-term measures to control smog in the province and construction work on the Lahore’s premier environmental laboratory will commence soon.

Briefing media representatives about the Punjab government’s measures to control smog on Thursday, the minister further said that said laboratory will determine the various constituents of atmospheric pollution and develop a compatible strategy to curb their generation.

The minister said that the number of patients suffering from respiratory and throat diseases and other allergies was increasing due to smog. Necessary medicines have been provided in ample quantities in hospitals to treat such patients, he added.

Dr Nasir said prospects for artificial rain at certain places were being evaluated to reduce smog. A high-powered committee led by the Chief Secretary has been constituted to take practical measures in this regard.

Experts from Bahauddin Zakaria University, Multan and Punjab University, Lahore have been contacted for this purpose, he added.

Read: Smog expected in Punjab, K-P plains

The minister said that the proposal to install ionization filters at 12 locations in the provincial metropolis is also being reviewed. These filters will sprinkle moisture in the air to reduce pollution.

Dr Nasir stated that the Punjab government has decided bring in Chinese experts to control smog in Punjab and that quality assessment of fuel at filling stations has been expedited.

The police and the transport department have been ordered to crack down on pumps selling sub-standard fuel, which is a major contributor to air pollution and smog.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 17^th, 2023.