Punjab put on high alert against stubble burning

Monitoring, master plan against pollution prepared

LAHORE:

Senior Provincial Minister Mariyum Aurangzeb has said that penalties will be imposed over burning crops and stubble, and the government machinery across the province had been put on high alert for the purpose.

Chairing a Multi-Sectoral Anti-Smog Action Plan review meeting, she said monitoring plans for pollutants and toxic substances in the air have been prepared for each sector, with a master plan for implementation of the directives from the Chief Minister’s Office.

Police, district administrations, environmental protection agencies and the finance department, among other relevant bodies, will actively participate in the anti-smog campaign, she said.

The senior minister also highlighted the commencement of inspections for vehicles emitting excessive smoke due to faulty engines, alongside the launch of a fitness and testing programme. Initially, the programme will focus on vehicles and highways in Lahore.

After a deadline, permits for vehicles and trucks found violating the law will be revoked, she added.

She directed officials of the regional transport authorities to ensure strict enforcement of the related regulations.