Punjab may impose more restrictions to stem smog spread

 

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has said more restrictions may be imposed to stem the spread of smog.

The minister urged concerted efforts saying: “Everyone has to play a role in stemming smog spread.”

She added: “Cooperation of the person dealing in motorcycle-rickshaw driving and barbeque is required.

“The business community should reconsider the way of doing business. The government does not want to close anyone's business

“The government does not want to close anyone's business,” she said during her visit to the City News Network in Lahore. Uzma Bukhari took a tour of various sections of the City News Network headquarters and its role in bringing government attention to the problems of citizens.

Her statement comes days after the government shut educational institutes after the smog enveloped the provincial capital – a city of 14 million people.

The country’s cultural capital was reportedly the top spot on a real-time list of the world’s most polluted cities.

The government shut primary schools for a week, advising parents to ensure children wear masks

Fifty percent of employees must also work from home as part of a “green lockdown” in the city, the government said, adding that barbecuing food without filters was banned and motorised rickshaws restricted.

Wedding halls must close at 10pm and artificial rain is likely to be used to combat the pollution.

Toxic smog has sickened tens of thousands of people, mainly children and the elderly, since last month when the air quality started worsening in the ‘city of gardens’ where rapid urbanisation and a surging population growth have left little room for greenery.