The Punjab government has decided to make major highways dust-free across the province while roads will be washed to prevent smog, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.

In this regard, a special meeting was held which was presided over by Punjab interim Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi to review measures to tackle smog before leaving for China.

Initially, Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) was tasked with making the roads of Lahore dust-free.

The meeting instructed all deputy commissioners to take action against sellers of substandard fuel.

It also was decided that factories repeatedly violating the anti-smog policy would be sealed for 2 months.

A prior affidavit will be taken from farmers to prevent the burning of rice and other crop residues, the meeting decided.

It also was decided in the meeting that financial assistance will be provided in collaboration with the World Bank to make the industries environment-friendly.

In the meeting, Chief Minister Naqvi ordered to ensure the implementation of Smog Prevention and Control Rules, 2023.

A comprehensive plan has been sought from all concerned departments to bring smog down to a minimum level across the province.

The CM Naqvi instructed that the Vehicle Inspection and Certificate System (VICS) and other relevant institutions should ensure the issuance of transport fitness certificates.

Environmental experts presented suggestions and recommendations in the meeting.

Professor Dr. Sajid Rashid Ahmed, Principal of the College of Earth Environmental Sciences Punjab University, told the meeting that motorcycle rickshaw is the main cause of environmental pollution, suggesting a long-term policy is necessary to eliminate smog and the kilns should be shifted to agri-culture waste instead of coal.

Government College University Prof. Dr. Faiza Sharif suggested that incentives should be given to industries for the disposal of industrial waste.

Zara Salman, Chief Executive Officer Development Policy Research, suggested that smog should be declared a public health crisis like dengue and other diseases.

Dr. Shahana Khurshid Associate Professor Limz suggested instead of motorcycle rickshaws, electric three-wheelers should be promoted in Lahore.

Dr. Wajid Ijaz, Expert EPD, suggested the meeting that in case of high smog, health advisory system should be promoted for public awareness.

Shoaib Shafiq, GM Sparco, commented that smog cannot be eliminated by short-term measures.

Dr. Shahid Abbas, Director Meteorologist Lahore, predicted that it is expected due to high rainfall we might have less smog.

The CM was briefed that low wind speeds, combined with humidity and pollution, give rise to smog.

It was further briefed that motorcycles and motorcycle rickshaws are the cause of 63 percent smog in Lahore while 11 percent smog is caused by motor car and jeep etc.

Motorcycle and rickshaw sales increased by 460 percent in Lahore in the last decade.

Incidents of crop residue burning are increasing in Sheikhupura and Okara.

It is possible to reduce smog by banning the movement of loader rickshaws in northern Lahore, suggested in briefing.

The factory building violating the restrictions imposed for smog prevention will not be de-sealed.

Provincial Ministers SM Tanveer, Bilal Afzal, Javed Akram, Chief Secretary, IG, Secretaries, Chairman PITP, and other concerned officials attended the meeting.

Commissioners, deputy commissioners, head of Nust Institute of Environment attended the meeting via video link.

 

Reporter Dure Nayab