Uncovered sand trolleys to be impounded

Parts of metropolis record unhealthy air for sensitive groups

LAHORE:

Provincial authorities have announced that uncovered trolleys loaded with sand will be impounded from September 30, while commercial kitchens and event halls operating without suction hoods will be sealed from October 10.

The decision came as the relevant departments continued actions to curb pollution, dust, crop residue burning, industrial emissions and traffic disruptions ahead of the annual smog season

Water was sprinkled on 1,122 kilometres of roads in a day, while 219 road shoulders were repaired or constructed to reduce pollution and dust.

The authorities issued 251 notices and imposed fines in 20 cases of air pollution.

Fines worth Rs37,500 were imposed for burning waste, tyres, rubber and plastic.

A crackdown was also launched against encroachment and illegal activities causing traffic obstructions. Officials issued 574 notices, imposed fines in 45 instances and registered 23 cases.

In Faisalabad division, industrial units and incinerators are being monitored through live CCTV surveillance, while immediate action is being taken where black smoke is detected.

In Harappa, a model has been introduced under which rice residue is converted into bales through machines instead of being burned in the fields.

Meanwhile, air quality readings from different parts of Lahore showed considerable variation.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) at Punjab University was recorded at 208, the highest among the monitoring points available. The area recorded a particulate matter PM2.5 level of 45.1 and PM10 of 150.3.

The AQI was recorded at 74 in Model Town and 74 on Multan Road, while Safari Park and GT Road recorded 72 each. PM2.5 was recorded at 25.8 and PM10 at 132.9 in Model Town. On Multan Road, PM2.5 stood at 31.5 and PM10 at 180.2.

At Safari Park, PM2.5 was recorded at 45.6 and PM10 at 151.9, while GT Road recorded PM2.5 at 72.0 and PM10 at 136.8.

The readings classified air quality at these locations as unhealthy for sensitive groups.

The AQI was recorded at 70 near Wagah Border, 77 in Kahna Nau, 79 on Bagh Road, and 79 in Shahdara and DHA Phase 6, classified as moderate.