No let-up in Punjab smog misery

LAHORE:

As Punjab grapples with hazardous smog, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced on Saturday that an ongoing anti-smog operation was underway in Lahore.

The operation is led by a joint task force comprising officials from the Punjab Environment Protection, Regional Transport Authority and traffic police.

In a bid to curb smog, large smoke-emitting vehicles, including trucks, have been barred from entering the city, with 25 trucks already seized as part of the crackdown.

Similarly, special entry points have been established to scrutinise incoming vehicles, with 370 vehicles denied entry into the city due to their pollution levels.

The minister confirmed that the restriction on large vehicles will remain in effect during the ongoing smog crisis. "These steps are aimed at reducing smog intensity and mitigating its adverse effects on public health," she added.

Aurangzeb acknowledged the challenges posed by the smog situation but said the government was committed to addressing it. "Difficult times require tough decisions."

The journey to eliminate smog is not easy, but it is achievable with collective efforts, she added.

Terming the fight against smog a "jihad," she urged citizens to join hands in reducing pollution.

The minister also highlighted the strict implementation of a zero-tolerance policy against environmental violations. She praised the continuous efforts of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and police teams working around the clock to enforce regulations.

Ban on heavy traffic

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has imposed a strict ban on heavy traffic and smoke-emitting vehicles entering Lahore from Friday to Sunday as part of its ongoing measures to combat smog.

Under the directives, all types of heavy transport, including loader trucks and tractor trolleys, are prohibited from entering the city.

To ensure compliance, teams supervised by DSPs have been deployed at 12 key entry and exit points of Lahore. Vehicles emitting excessive smoke, those in dilapidated condition or lacking fitness certificates are barred from entry.

However, exemptions have been granted to vehicles transporting fuel, medicines, food supplies, and passengers, subject to thorough inspections. "The enforcement of this ban will be ensured 100%," Ammara Athar, a senior official overseeing the operations, said.

She urged transporters to cooperate with the government's efforts to mitigate smog and improve air quality.

"We must all join hands to fight pollution and work towards cleaner air for everyone," she remarked.

In addition, Lahore traffic police has intensified its crackdown on smoke-emitting vehicles.