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LAHORE, Nov 01 (APP): Under the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, significant progress has been made in the measures to make the province smog-free.
Under the Chief Minister’s vision of “One Government, One Vision, One Mission, Clean Air”, the Punjab government is taking practical steps to protect the environment and eliminate pollution.
According to the Environmental Protection Department official sources, polluted air coming from the Indian border areas is affecting Lahore’s air quality, but the situation is under control.
Lahore’s average AQI has been recorded at 280, while the level of pollution in the air is gradually decreasing. Due to low wind speed and lack of rain in the morning, the dispersion of pollution has decreased, however, due to a slight increase in wind speed in the afternoon, there is a possibility of improvement in the air quality.
EPA sources further said all the relevant institutions of the Punjab government are working day and night in three shifts to combat smog. Traffic control, water spraying and industry checking campaigns are underway on the instructions of the Chief Minister. Modern stations are in operation to continuously monitor PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels in different areas of the city.
For the first time in the history of Punjab, a comprehensive strategy has been adopted to eliminate pollution in every sector. Instead of burning crop residues, 5,000 super seeders, 814 Kabota machines, harvesters and 91 balers have been provided, through which more than six lakh bales have been prepared.
“Hawk Eyes Thermal Drones” have also been used for monitoring.
To a query they said that to control dust and dust, measures have been taken to spray water, cover construction sites and prevent dust from flying. Moreover, they said, three lakh certificates have been issued under vehicle fitness testing, while sensors for checking industrial fumes are being installed and kilns are being converted to zigzag technology.
It is worth mentioning here that the Punjab government has started AI-based central monitoring of 8,500 industrial units to control industrial pollution. Pakistan’s first ever emission testing system has also been introduced to monitor vehicle emissions.
Talking about ‘Mist sprinkler Systems’ they said it have also been installed at 371 locations across Punjab, while 8,596 units are being monitored through AI and drones. For the first time, a digital air quality forecasting system has also been established under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s “Clean and Green Punjab” vision.
Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb in her recent statement has said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision of “Smog-free Punjab” is being realised. “Clean and Green Punjab” is a revolutionary campaign towards a healthy lifestyle that will provide a clean and safe environment for future generations.
Furthermore, the Environment Protection Department has appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, use masks, keep children and the elderly indoors, and reduce the use of urban motorcycles and vehicles so that air quality can be further improved.