400 electric buses to be run in Lahore to curb smog, says Marriyum Aurangzeb

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb on Thursday congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his team for the economic progress achieved in the last nine months. 

Addressing a press conference regarding climate change and anti-smog initiatives, she talked about reduction in inflation, with the rate dropping from 35% to 4.9%. Additionally, interest rates have also decreased. She emphasized that under the PML-N government, the country has always progressed with successful public relief projects. The chief minister has given targets to deputy commissioners and police for monitoring essential commodities. She asserted that no other administration has matched public relief measures of PML-N.

Regarding smog, Marriyum Aurangzeb highlighted the work led by CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif over the past eight to nine months, including a 10-year multi-sectoral anti-smog plan introduced by the Punjab government. Measures such as demolishing 1,094 brick-kilns, monitoring through drone technology and closing 219 industrial units have been undertaken to combat smog. Industrial units have been provided with financial and technical support to adopt eco-friendly systems, including interest-free loans for 80 units. 

Moreover, for the first time, 10,784 vehicles in Lahore have been impounded for emitting excessive smoke. 

Farmers have received 1,000 super seeders on a 60% subsidy to promote environmentally friendly agriculture. Factories on Diwan Road, Gujranwala, have been equipped with smoke control devices, while 39 out of 56 rice mills in Kasur have installed dry scrubbers. The senior minister also announced provision of gas analyzers to private workshops, subsidized at 80%, as part of the government's private sector initiatives. 

The senior minister stated that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will now oversee transport monitoring, with dedicated squads ensuring compliance. Government departments have been directed to repair all smoke-emitting vehicles by January 30, or they will face action. Fifteen air quality monitors have been installed in Lahore, with a target of 60. As part of the eco-friendly transition, 400 electric buses will be introduced in Lahore, with 27 buses arriving by January, and plans for 5.2 million motorbikes to be shifted to electric. 

Marriyum Aurangzeb expressed gratitude to media, stakeholders, and industries for their cooperation in reducing smog. She noted a 38% reduction in smog compared to last year but warned of potential increases due to upcoming fog following forecasted rains. Efforts to enhance fuel quality through newly established labs and regular industrial inspections are underway. 

The Punjab government has initiated discussions on school bus services, carpooling, and better transport management with school administrations and traffic police. Annual planning for the smog season, involving all stakeholders, is in progress. Transparency in vehicle certifications is being ensured through QR codes, and plans are in place to relocate industries from central Lahore to designated zones with proper facilities. 

Marriyum Aurangzeb concluded by stating that these environmental challenges require collective efforts, and significant improvements in air quality management are expected in the coming weeks.