Under the directive of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb chaired a meeting to deliberate on anti-smog strategies. The participants devised a comprehensive sectoral action plan based on long, short and medium-term measures to combat the hazardous smog.
The meeting also reviewed the effectiveness of line departments and other stakeholders in the eradication of air pollution. Senior Minister instructed for investigation-certification of vehicles through public-private partnership aligning their QR codes, and according to their SOPs. She emphasised on starting sector-wise working on it with the full framework without further delay to benefit the people.
The meeting also deliberated on introducing the Punjab Digital Transport System. The Senior Minister highlighted the need for public awareness campaigns at the grassroots for combating smog through the proper use of anti-smog agri machinery and crushers.
Complete mapping & zoning of the industry, solarisation of government buildings, and initiatives regarding waste management, tree plantation and wastewater treatment plants were discussed. It was proposed to establish communication units in every sector and work on communication strategies to initiate awareness campaigns effectively.
The Senior Minister stated that the first sector-wise action plan to control smog had been devised under the directive of the chief minister. Tasks have been completed within the specified timeframe for achieving targets set by departments. For the first time in sectors such as transportation, agriculture, industry and energy, a comprehensive phased programme for environment-friendly initiatives and pollution control will be implemented, she added. She stated that goals had been set for waste management, control of toxic emissions, afforestation and public awareness campaigns in cities. Effective immediately, fitness certificates will be mandatory for all vehicles and annual inspections will be conducted. A QR monitoring system for vehicles will be initiated this month, integrated with the Punjab Safe Cities Authority. The latest gas analysers will be installed in Lahore to monitor smoke emissions. An energy audit plan for all major government and private sector energy plants has been included under the Punjab Zero Emission Programme, she further said.
Meanwhile, the implementation of a programme to transition all government buildings to solar energy has also been targeted. Local-level incentives and encouragement will be provided for solar panel manufacturing in the province, said Marriyum Aurangzeb.
