LAHORE:
Emphasising the need to reduce toxic emissions, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has urged motorcycle owners to get their bikes checked for fitness, costing only Rs700, to avoid fines of Rs2,000 and medical expenses.
Addressing the media regarding smog, she said Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has been taking significant steps to tackle the serious issue since coming into power in March.
The senior minister mentioned that in areas like Lahore, Sheikhupura and Kasur, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches 250 under normal conditions and rises to 450 during the smog season.
Smog is also increasing in Narowal and Gujranwala, leading to diseases such as conjunctivitis, lung cancer and skin conditions, she said, adding that the chief minister has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against vehicles, industrial units, kilns and anything contributing to smog, as she values the health and safety of the public and future generations.
For the first time, a multi-sectoral phased approach has been implemented to curb smog, involving industrialists, kiln owners and drivers.
The environmental protection department has started digital monitoring of vehicles and motorcycles through Safe City cameras.
Marriyum Aurangzeb said the government’s top priority is eliminating carbon footprints, leading to the closure of outlets selling substandard fuel.
She highlighted that vehicle fitness checking stations are functioning at Kala Shah Kaku and Thokar Niaz Baig.
An Industrial Emission Control System is being enforced, under which even government-owned smoke-emitting vehicles will not be allowed to enter Lahore.
She praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s mass transit vision, under which the Metro Bus and Orange Line Train were introduced to promote ease in public transport system.
Continuing that vision, CM Maryam Nawaz is introducing an e-mass transport system, with 30 e-buses and more e-bikes set to operate on Lahore’s roads in the coming months.
The senior minister said all relevant departments are taking preventive measures against smog.
Sensors are being installed to monitor crop residue burning with real-time data and drones will now monitor the fields round the clock.
Areas where rice straw burning is prevalent, like Gujranwala, Narowal and Sheikhupura, have been mapped, and arrests have been made in this regard.
The senior minister stressed individual and collective responsibility, emphasising that every person must ensure that no smoke emits from their vehicle, crop or factory. The government’s anti-smog actions will only succeed if the public fully participates, she added.
She revealed that smog causes 250,000 deaths annually. She said citizens should avoid construction activities and adhere to dust Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) by covering sites and sprinkling water every four hours. Dust sites have also been mapped.
For the first time, the government is providing 1,000 super seeders to farmers with 60 per cent subsidy to prevent crop burning.
Marriyam Aurangzeb said 7,070 tonnes of plastic have been confiscated after the imposition of a ban. She criticised the previous government for neglecting solid waste management and aid it had led to garbage contributing to smog.
As part of the crackdown, 45,000 tyre-burning units have been inspected, Rs150 million in fines imposed and 1,500 sites sealed.
The government has also gained live footage access to industrial chimneys and night inspections are being carried out to curb pollution.
Out of 8,000 kilns in Punjab, 2,000 in Sheikhupura, Kasur and Lahore have been converted to the zigzag technology, while 230 units have been demolished.