The Punjab government has imposed a ban on dry sweeping of roads and the use of lime powder during smog season.
This order will come into force with immediate effect and will be applicable till January 15, 2025.
“The smog season has commenced in Punjab and is expected to continue till January 15, 2026, during which elevated levels of Particulate Matter (PM2.5 & PM10) pose serious environmental and public health concerns”, reads a notification issued by the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Dry sweeping of roads, streets, and public places generates fugitive dust emissions which remain suspended in the atmosphere and contribute significantly to particulate pollution. These particulate pollutants combine with prevailing fog conditions to form smog, leading to reduced visibility, respiratory ailments, and other health hazards for the public.
The practice of throwing lime powder on roads further aggravates the dust load in the air and intensifies smog conditions.
In view of the above situation, the Punjab EPA has prohibited dry sweeping of roads and public spaces across all districts of Punjab during the smog season.
“Only mechanised sweeping and wet sweeping practices shall be employed. Throwing and spreading of lime powder on roads and open public places is strictly prohibited. This order shall come into force with immediate effect and shall remain in force until January 15, 2026. Any violation of this order shall be punishable under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC)”, the notification reads.
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