LAHORE – The Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a pre-emptive campaign against air pollution ahead of the smog season, directing relevant departments and district administrations to take action against major sources of pollution across the province.
In official communications, the EPA Punjab instructed authorities to immediately activate anti-smog committees in all districts and implement comprehensive action plans to curb air pollution before the onset of the smog season.
The agency has called for advance action against crop residue burning, industrial emissions, brick kilns, stone crushers and tyre pyrolysis plants. District administrations have also been directed to prepare for enforcement operations against activities contributing to deteriorating air quality.
The EPA has asked the Sutlej Punjab Authority to discontinue dry road sweeping and adopt mechanical and wet sweeping, particularly during the smog season. The measure is aimed at preventing dust from being released back into the atmosphere and reducing particulate pollution, including PM10 and PM2.5.
The authority has also been directed to ensure mechanical and wet sweeping on major roads and traffic corridors across Punjab.
The EPA further ordered strict prevention of the burning of garbage, leaves and other waste along roadsides. Authorities have been told to identify smog hotspots, conduct regular monitoring and ensure effective cleaning arrangements in such areas.
The special monitoring of road cleanliness and dust levels will be carried out during the peak smog period from October through January.
Sanitation staff and contractors will also be strictly prohibited from burning waste.
The EPA has additionally ordered strict implementation of dust-control standard operating procedures at construction sites to curb pollution generated by ongoing development projects.
The agency said Punjab would not wait for the smog season to begin before taking action.
The agency stressed that all major sources of air pollution would be addressed through advance enforcement and coordinated efforts involving district administrations, sanitation authorities and other relevant departments.
