Dense smog engulfed Lahore once again on Wednesday and affected the routine life. On the other hand, a citizen approached the Lahore High Court against the Punjab government’s failure to take effective measures to curb smog.
According to a private TV channel report, a concerned citizen has filed a petition in the high court, stating that Lahore has become the most polluted city due to lack of control over environmental pollution.
Justice Shahid Karim heard the petition. nThe petition said that no effective measures have been taken to curb emissions which are spreading smog and causing other diseases including eye and throat diseases.
He requested the court to order the government to take urgent and necessary steps to eradicate smog. The case has been adjourned till Thursday.
According to the Environment Protection Department or EPD, the primary contributors to air pollution include emission from vehicles, industrial emissions, and burning of crop stubble.
Punjab EPD Secretary Syed Mubashir Hussain said that due to the lack of funds concrete steps could not be taken to control the smog, however, improvement in the environment is expected in 2023.
The air quality index that stood at 190 until a few weeks ago suddenly crossed 400 recently but on Friday last it returned to 168.
Ambreen Sajid, a researcher, says when temperatures decrease, the size of the dust particles increases, causing smog.
Meanwhile, Lahore Commissioner Muhammad Usman imposed a ban on burning municipal waste and warned that cases will be registered against violators.
Deputy commissioners will take strict action and submit daily reports on the burning of crop residues on agricultural lands, he said adding that secretary RTA and traffic police should seize vehicles emitting smoke.
