Anti-smog battle begins, Saturday to be holiday in Lahore

The Punjab government has announced observing holiday on Saturday in Lahore as part of the measures to combat smog.

Addressing a press conference after a meeting of the cabinet committee on smog, Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the measures to cope with the challenge in the provincial capital.

“Educational institutions and government offices will be closed in Lahore on Saturdays while markets will open after 3 pm on Saturdays,” he said, adding that air filter units will be installed at 12 places in Lahore and a high-powered environmental commission will the established to stem the smog.

Experts from Bahauddin Zakaria University of Multan and Punjab University are contacted for artificial rain while Chinese experts have been invited to Lahore for consultation, the chief minister maintained, adding that free registration of rickshaws will be done in 30 days and after that crackdown on unregistered rickshaws will begin.

An environmental lab will be established for the first time in Punjab while the police and transport department have been ordered to crack down on pumps selling substandard petrol, he stated.

Highlighting Indian apathy, he said just 10% of crop residues are burnt in Pakistan while the rest 90% is being done on the other side of the border.

Farmers will be given modern machinery to destroy crop residues and a team headed by the Chief Secretary will determine the modern machinery for the farmers, Mohsen Naqvi said, adding that modern machinery will be bought for farmers in collaboration with banks.

He continued: “Installing an air ionizer will reduce environmental pollution and this technology is being used successfully in many countries,

“A high-powered commission is being set up to deal with environmental challenges.

“A committee headed by the Chief Secretary has been set up to take measures for artificial rain. Artificial rain will also be provided in other areas having environmental pollution

“After consultation with experts, immediate and necessary steps will be taken for artificial rain.

“The smog eradication team in Beijing has been invited to Pakistan while a technical team is being sent to Almaty for study.

“Electric bike policy will also be introduced in Punjab soon.

“Fuel quality will be checked at every petrol pump in smog-affected areas.

“Police crackdown on smoke emitting vehicles continues.

“So far, the police issued 419000 challans and confiscated 80,000 smoke-emitting vehicles.

The Environment Department sealed 3495 industry units, lodged more than 2000 FIRs and fined Rs 220 million

“The police, transport department, environment, district administration and other relevant agencies will continue the anti-smog crackdown

“All possible efforts are being made to eliminate smog.

“Due to the direction of the wind, smog may increase and there is no chance of rain.”