Despite improvement, anti-smog operation is in full swing, says minister 

Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Tuesday that despite a drop in pollution levels in a majority of cities in the province, including Lahore, the provincial government was taking steps on a war footing to get rid of smog, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, she said that during the last four days, dozens of brick kilns and industrial units, adding to pollution in the air, had been bulldozed while dozens of factories had been sealed as well.   

“As many as 17 brick kilns, not following the zigzag technology, were demolished on November 15, while an equal number of brick kilns were razed to the ground on November 16 and November 17 in Khanewal, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Vehari, Sargodha, Jhang, Layyah, Bahawalnagar and Pakpattan districts,” the minister explained.   

She informed that most brick kilns, totaling 14, were demolished in Multan while eight in Layyah.  

Marriyum went on to say that on November 15, 20 industrial units were bulldozed in Lahore and Gujranwala, while on November 16 and 17, the number of such units stood at 16. “The operation was carried out in Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujranwala and Kasur,” she explained.

Likewise, the minister informed, total 51 units, adding to pollution, were sealed. “A steal mill was sealed in Ferozewala.” 

In an operation conducted in Lahore, she said, 30 units were sealed, while five were razed to the ground.  

“Raids were also conducted on the units not taking the precautionary measures,” she said, adding, “Vehicles entering Lahore are being checked.”

“Similarly, action had also been taken against the drivers of vehicles carrying the construction material and not covering them.”

Marriyum told the media that the situation was being monitored with the help of Safe City cameras. 

At the same time, the minister said, water was being sprinkled on Lahore’s roads. 

Reporter: Komal Aslam