The Punjab government has finalized measures to combat smog in the province, where air quality becomes dangerously poor for citizens’ health during the winter months.
As colder weather approaches, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced on Sunday that all preparations to deal with smog have been completed.
She mentioned that artificial rain will be used if smog levels rise, at a cost of Rs5 million to Rs7 million.
Additionally, efforts to crack down on factories and vehicles that produce toxic smoke will continue.
Aurangzeb emphasized that if the environment is improved through actions against smoke, artificial rain won’t be necessary. She urged people to report vehicles, factories, or cases of stubble burning by calling the government helpline at 1373.
Lahore ranked as the most polluted city in the world on Saturday, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 186.
According to resource, Lahore at the top, followed by Delhi, India, with an AQI of 172, and Dhaka, Bangladesh, with an AQI of 157.
Residents experienced a hazy day, with many complaining of throat irritation, burning eyes, and breathing difficulties.
Citizens have appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to impose a ban on all construction activities in the city for the next two months, as rising dust is a major source of PM2.5 pollution. Last year, this was referred to as fugitive dust by the provincial government’s Environmental Protection Department (EPD).
Sources from the country’s Environmental Protection Agency indicated that the use of substandard fuels, like plastic and rubber, particularly in the cottage industry around Bund Road, is significantly contributing to the smog in Lahore.
They also noted that vehicle pollution is a major cause of smog, but no strict measures are being enforced against smoke-emitting vehicles.
An EPA spokesperson stated that the department is taking various steps to fight smog. Many brick kilns have been demolished, and a ban has been placed on uncovered sand and mud trucks traveling throughout the province.
He asserted that traffic pollution, stubble burning, and smog coming from India are the primary issues that need to be effectively addressed.
