Muhammad Usman
Relief Commissioner Punjab Disaster Management Authority Babar Hayat Tard has said that the forecast of rain in Lahore is good news. The rain will reduce the intensity of smog. Vehicle emission is a major challenge in anti-smog operations. The choice of electric buses for public service will reduce the fumes from transport.
Owners of private sector rides should ensure that they obtain a fitness certificate for the vehicle. Use of unhealthy fuels should be discouraged. The proposed action plan to reduce traffic flow should be implemented.
The Punjab Disaster Management Authority should ensure strict implementation of the decisions of the working group for smog control. Controlling the harmful health effects of smog with the corona wave is very important.
Easing smog control actions can lead to an increase in health problems. These views were expressed by the Punjab Relief Commissioner during a briefing on anti-smog operations at the Punjab Disaster Management Headquarters today.
The meeting was attended by all concerned officers including Director General PDMA Omar Shehzad Khurram, Director and Operational Director. Omar Khurram Shehzad told the Relief Commissioner that in the last 24 hours, the maximum amount of smog in Lahore was recorded in the vicinity of the town hall. The air quality index of the Department of Environmental Protection in the town hall was 253 ۔ the department is instructing citizens to wear goggles with masks and stay safe from dehydration in all areas where smog is being felt, including town halls.
The DG PDMA also gave a detailed briefing to the Relief Commissioner on the smog control operations by various departments. The DGPDMA informed the meeting that in the last 24 hours during anti-smog campaign under Punjab Disaster Management Authority, fines of Rs. 1,499,050 were imposed. 150 FIRs were registered and 23 persons were arrested. 197 industrial units were closed. Warnings have been issued to the last 10 bases after which the total value of fines has gone up to Rs 30,655,290 since October 20, 4,511 FIRs have been registered and a total of 6,909 vehicles and 1,495 industrial units have been shut down on smoke emission complaints. ۔ Under the local government, 62 FIRs were registered and fines of Rs. 445,000 were levied on waste, tires and plastics. The Punjab Disaster Management Authority is covering all activities that cause air pollution to control smog. The Authority is ensuring the implementation of the Working Committee’s proposed action plan.
