Illegal construction faces crackdown

LAHORE:

Worsening air pollution and smog in the city has brought the environmental impact of unregulated construction into focus as the metropolitan corporation has launched a month-long demolition campaign against illegal structures across Lahore

According to a notification, the demolition and follow-up operations are planned across the Wagha, Data Gunj Bakhsh, Nishtar, Allama Iqbal, Shalimar, Ravi, Samanabad, Gulberg and Aziz Bhatti zones.

Sources said unauthorised construction work under way across the city had been identified as among the major reasons of smog at a time when Lahore is in the grip of air pollution. The operations are planned in all zones of Lahore throughout the month.

Senior officers and building inspectors have been instructed to remain present during the action.

Officials said follow-up action was also intended to prevent illegal construction from resuming after demolition. Lahore had been ranked the world's most polluted major city on October 29 with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 419 on IQAir's live ranking.

"November in past years was the peak season of smog in Lahore. Demolition, excavation, cement handling and the movement of sand, soil and rubble can release dust. Fine particles from these activities add to airborne particulate matter while uncovered construction material and debris left on roads or vacant plots can be lifted again by wind and traffic.