Heavy vehicles face pre-smog checks

Environmental authorities shift focus towards preventive measures

LAHORE:

The Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has stepped up preparations for the smog season, placing heavy vehicles at the centre of its enforcement strategy.

The move comes as the environmental authorities shift their focus from reacting to deteriorating air quality toward taking preventive measures before the onset of severe smog conditions.

The EPA has directed its field formations to intensify vehicle inspections, particularly on major highways, urban roads and city entry points, with the objective of removing high-emission vehicles before they add to the pollution during the critical period.

According to EPA data, 1,745 challans have been issued and 621 vehicles impounded in Lahore since May, with fines amounting to Rs4.483 million imposed for violations of environmental standards.

The agency says these figures form part of its continuing pre-smog preparedness and enforcement against vehicular emissions will be significantly strengthened in the days ahead.

The focus is particularly on trucks, buses and large diesel-powered vehicles because poorly maintained engines and exhaust systems can release excessive smoke and contribute to deterioration of air quality in densely populated areas.

EPA spokesperson Sajid Bashir said the department was accelerating its field operations ahead of the smog season and curbing vehicle emissions was being treated as a priority.

He said vehicles found emitting smoke beyond the prescribed environmental limits were being proceeded against under the relevant laws, while the agency was increasing inspections at locations where heavy traffic and commercial transport were concentrated.

He urged owners of heavy vehicles to have their engines and exhaust systems properly maintained and ensure that they had valid fitness certification before operating on major urban routes.

The EPA is preparing for a tightening of enforcement at city entry points. Officials said vehicles without fitness certification and emitting excessive smoke would face action with the objective of preventing unfit and highly polluting vehicles from entering major urban centres.

The coming days are expected to see greater deployment of environmental teams at major entry and exit points, where heavy vehicles will be subjected to closer scrutiny. The measure is part of an approach designed to intercept major pollution sources before they enter congested urban areas.

The enforcement drive will also be supported through the Punjab Safe Cities Authority's camera network for monitoring of heavy transport vehicles.

Camera assistance will help enforcement teams identify vehicles requiring further inspection and support action against non-compliance.

EPA Director General Abdullah Nayyar Sheikh issued strict directions to field officers to intensify enforcement against smoke-emitting vehicles

He directed teams to maintain regular surveillance on major routes and ensure that environmental violations are dealt with promptly and without discrimination.

Sheikh stressed the need for stronger coordination between the EPA, district administrations, traffic authorities, the PSCA and other relevant departments.

According to the directions, vehicular emission control must form part of a coordinated pre-smog response involving all departments responsible for traffic management, enforcement and public health protection.