LAHORE, Sep 09 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the administration and relevant departments to intensify preventive measures against air pollution ahead of the smog season, with Lahore currently ranking 16th among the world’s most polluted cities on the global air quality index. The CM directed authorities to ensure comprehensive pre-emptive arrangements before the smog season expected in November and further strengthen the strategy that produced positive results …
CM orders intensifying anti-smog measures ahead of smog season
LAHORE, Sep 09 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the administration and relevant departments to intensify preventive measures against air pollution ahead of the smog season, with Lahore currently ranking 16th among the world’s most polluted cities on the global air quality index.
The CM directed authorities to ensure comprehensive pre-emptive arrangements before the smog season expected in November and further strengthen the strategy that produced positive results last year. She also ordered strict action to control all major sources contributing to air pollution.
Meteorological experts said slight fluctuations in the air quality index in Lahore, Faisalabad, Rahim Yar Khan and other districts of Punjab were linked partly to changes in the direction of strong winds blowing from India. They said rainfall expected in Lahore next week could help reduce the concentration of pollutants and improve air quality.
The experts said variations in wind speed and humidity also affect the concentration of pollutants in the atmosphere, resulting in fluctuations in the air quality index. Meanwhile, on the Chief Minister’s directives, implementation of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) introduced during last year’s anti-smog season has been further tightened.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed the provincial administration and relevant departments to ensure the disposal of crop residue through modern machinery and prevent its burning. She also ordered effective measures to prevent the burning of plastic and mitigate the risks posed to human health by plastic products.
Monitoring of brick kilns has been intensified, while action against kilns operating without zigzag technology has been accelerated. The Chief Minister also directed authorities to strengthen the inspection and monitoring of restaurants and barbecue outlets contributing to air pollution through smoke emissions.
Strict inspection of heavy and light vehicles entering Lahore is under way, with particular emphasis on checking smoke emissions.
The CM directed enhanced monitoring of motorcycle emissions in the city and strict action against vehicles found contributing to air pollution. Monitoring through Safe City cameras, thermal imaging and advanced artificial intelligence-based systems has also been expanded to identify and control sources of pollution more effectively.
“During the three-month smog season, the people will extend full cooperation to the actions taken by the administration and departments, and together we will set a new example of success,” the CM said.
