The Punjab government has decided to establish the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to combat smog and improve the environment. This authority will ensure the effective implementation of environmental protection measures and laws. Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced in a statement issued here today that under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, a smog prevention cabinet committee will be formed. In this regard, a smog monitoring sectoral cell has been established in the P&D Department, with representatives from each department. Additionally, work has begun to establish a legal framework to implement the chief minister’s vision for environmental improvement, she added.
A rapid action plan has been prepared for the immediate implementation of laws and regulations in every sector, she further said. It has been decided to also establish a special force for environmental protection and digital data will be collected to determine the causes of smog increase.
The senior minister stated that smog, emissions of toxic substances and particulate matter will be curbed and the government will rigorously enforce environmental laws and regulations related to industry and transportation sectors to promote a clean environment. She made it clear that no brick kiln would operate without zigzag technology; brick kilns without this technology were being phased out and fitness certificates were being mandatory for vehicles. Furthermore, smoke-emitting vehicles and those with faulty engines will be banned. A system for monitoring and certification of vehicles with faulty engines was being introduced and all industries will be mandated to install emission control systems to control toxic emissions, concluded the senior minister.
