In complete disregard for the fact that emergency has been imposed by the Punjab government in view of smog, farmers in district Narowal, in open violation of section 144, are burning crops’ residue, while the administration, on the other hand, is taking a nap, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Thursday.
In the latest incident, farmers in Badomalhi area have burnt the residue over 40-50 acres of land.
The smoke rising from the fields has led to throat infection, lungs and respiratory diseases in the residents of dozens of surrounding villages.
People have appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi to take notice of the situation and rid them of polluted environment.
AQI reaches 343 in Lahore
On the other hand, although the weather is getting chillier in Lahore by the day, smog continues to haunt the people of the city as it once again topped the list of world’s most polluted cities on Thursday.
And although the situation had improved a little after thundershowers in the Punjab capital and other parts of the province a few days ago, the situation has again worsened in recent days prompting the provincial government on Wednesday to declare Saturday an off day at schools and government offices.
Addressing a press conference after a meeting of the cabinet committee on smog, Punjab chief minister said the decision had been in view of increasing air pollution in and around 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 arrest the situation.
He further said that experts from Bahauddin Zakaria University of Multan and Punjab University had been contacted for artificial rain while Chinese experts had also been invited to Lahore for consultations, adding that free registration of rickshaws will be done within 30 days following which a crackdown on unregistered ones 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.
The CM further said that farmers would be given modern machinery to dispose of crops’ residue and a team, headed by the chief secretary, will arrange the machinery for the farmers.
“A high-powered commission is being set up to deal with environmental challenges,” he announced.
Reporters: Yasir Arafat and Maida Waheed