Minister orders strict cleanliness measures, mechanical sweeping to curb smog

LAHORE, Oct 10 (APP):Punjab Minister for Local Government and Community Development (LG&CD) Zeeshan Rafique has directed officials to ensure strict implementation of anti-smog measures, expedite the transfer of waste from temporary collection points to dumping sites and avoid manual road sweeping during the smog season.

Chairing a meeting at the Suthra Punjab Authority office here on Saturday, he directed that only mechanical sweepers be deployed for road cleaning during the smog season to help minimize dust and air pollution.

The meeting reviewed anti-littering inspections in different tehsils, measures to combat smog and the number of waste collection points and waste enclosures across the province.

Minister Zeeshan Rafique directed Field Monitoring Officers (FMOs) to ensure their presence in union councils and perform their assigned duties effectively. He said the process of geo-mapping at the union council level was in its final stages, adding that the movement of loader rickshaws in every beat would be digitized to strengthen monitoring of waste collection operations.

Emphasising the need for effective measures to combat smog, the minister directed officials to ensure compliance with instructions issued by the Environment Protection Department. He also instructed them to report any incidents of crop burning in villages to the respective assistant commissioners for appropriate action.

The minister further directed officials to ensure the prompt transportation of waste from temporary collection points to designated dumping sites to prevent its accumulation and maintain cleanliness.

LG&CD Secretary Zaid bin Maqsood and Director General Suthra Punjab Authority Umar Javed attended the meeting, while commissioners and managing directors from Multan, Gujranwala, Dera Ghazi Khan and Faisalabad participated through video link.