Capital outlines strategy to fight smog
A high-level meeting chaired by Islamabad Chief Commissioner and Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa was held at CDA headquarters to discuss the ongoing smog situation in the federal capital and outline measures to improve the city's air quality.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the IGP, the Director General of Pak-EPA, the Director General of the Ministry of Climate Change's Environment Wing, ICT DC and CDA's Environment Wing.
The meeting highlighted that the Air Quality Index (AQI) for Islamabad on November 13, 2024, was recorded at 192, based on Particulate Matter (PM2.5), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), and Carbon Monoxide (CO) levels. The AQI is an important tool used to report daily air quality, reflecting potential health risks.
Despite the elevated AQI, the current smog situation in Islamabad was deemed under control by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA). It was decided that the Pak-EPA would release AQI data on a regular basis moving forward.
DG Pak-EPA provided a briefing on the current smog situation, highlighting major hotspots and emissions sources, along with a roadmap to improve the air quality index. The meeting was informed that there were no significant industrial emissions within the city and that emissions from the industrial sector were closely monitored to ensure the use of environmentally friendly technologies.
To combat vehicular emissions, it was decided that all vehicles in the capital would be required to undergo fitness certification. A zero-tolerance policy would be implemented, with a crackdown on vehicles emitting smoke, particularly targeting heavy vehicles and buses. FIRs will be registered against non-compliant vehicle owners.
The meeting also discussed the monitoring of border areas and identified hotspots in the city, which will be closely observed for emissions control. Dust pollution from construction activities will be addressed by sprinkling water at development sites.
It was noted that there were no major emissions from crop residue burning within Islamabad, but regular monitoring of hotspots will be conducted to prevent waste and fire burning at dumping sites. The Safe City project's camera network will be utilized for emissions monitoring.
In response to non-compliance with environmental standards, it was decided that brick kilns not using zigzag technology would be permanently shut down.
To raise public awareness about smog and its health risks, the meeting agreed to launch a major awareness campaign in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Islamabad police FM stations, and other relevant authorities.
CDA Hospital, in partnership with other public sector hospitals, will organise a symposium on smog, along with an awareness walk and the distribution of posters highlighting the health risks of smog. Health advisories will also be issued, encouraging the public to take preventive measures, including the use of masks to minimise exposure to smog.
The meeting concluded with a call for coordinated efforts from all stakeholders to improve air quality in Islamabad and protect the health of its residents.