Post-rain fog may spur smog

Senior minister announces transport monitoring by EPA

LAHORE:

Noting 38 per cent reduction in smog as compared to last year, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has warned of a potential increase in the environmental problem in the province due to fog following rains predicted by the meteorological department.

Addressing a press conference regarding climate change and anti-smog initiatives, she highlighted the work led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in this regard over the past nine months, including a 10-year multi-sectoral anti-smog plan introduced by the Punjab government.

The senior minister said measures such as demolishing 1,094 brick kilns, monitoring through drones and closing 219 industrial units had been taken to combat smog. Factories have been provided financial and technical support to adopt eco-friendly systems, including interest-free loans for 80 units.

Moreover, for the first time, 10,784 vehicles in Lahore have been clamped for emitting excessive smoke.

Farmers have received 1,000 super seeders on a 60% subsidy to promote environment friendly agriculture.

Factories on Diwan Road in Gujranwala, have been equipped with smoke control devices, while 39 out of 56 rice mills in Kasur have installed dry scrubbers.

The senior minister announced the provision of gas analysers to private workshops, subsidised at 80%, as part of the government's private sector initiatives.

She said the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would now oversee transport monitoring, with dedicated squads ensuring compliance. Government departments have been directed to repair all smoke-emitting vehicles by January 30, or face action.

Meanwhile, 15 air quality monitors have been installed in Lahore, with a target of 60. As part of the eco-friendly transition, 400 electric buses will be introduced in Lahore, of which 27 will arrive by January.

The authorities also plan to introduce 5.2 million electric motorbikes on the roads.

Marriyum Aurangzeb expressed gratitude to the stakeholders for their cooperation in reducing smog.

She said efforts to enhance fuel quality through new labs and regular industrial inspections are under way.

The Punjab government has initiated discussions on school bus services, carpooling and better transport management with school administrations and traffic police. The senior minister said annual planning for the smog season, involving all stakeholders, was in progress.

Transparency in vehicle certifications is being ensured through QR codes, and plans are in place to relocate industries from central Lahore to designated zones with proper facilities, she added.

Marriyum Aurangzeb said the environmental challenges required collective efforts, and significant improvements in air quality management were expected in the coming weeks.

She also congratulated Prime MinisterShehbaz Sharif and his team for a reduction in inflation from 35% to 4.9%. The interest rates had also decreased, she added. She said the chief minister had assigned targets to the deputy commissioners and police for monitoring essential commodities.