LAHORE: Lahore is ready to celebrate Basant 2026 with a traditional zest amid surveillance with drones and the availability of free public transport for the people.
Punjab’s Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has said the provincial government has implemented wide-ranging measures to ensure a clean environment and public safety during the Basant festival. In a statement, she acknowledged that air quality remains a concern, with Lahore recording an Air Quality Index of 192.
However, she said scientific models, modern data, and technology have helped authorities make progress in smog control.
Free transport, AI tools to cut pollution
Marriyum Aurangzeb announced that from February 6 to 8, residents of Lahore will be able to use free public transport, including the Metro Bus and Orange Line Metro Train. She said the initiative aims to encourage mass transit use and reduce reliance on private vehicles. As a result, the government expects lower traffic congestion and reduced air pollution during the festival.
She urged citizens to opt for shared transport and cooperate with authorities. Meanwhile, the minister said artificial intelligence systems are actively identifying pollution hotspots across the city. In addition, drone surveillance continues to monitor factories, brick kilns, and vehicles to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Rooftop checks and construction safety enforced
To ensure public safety during Basant, authorities will use drones to inspect rooftops across Lahore. Lahore Commissioner Maryam Khan said registration of all rooftops planned for kite flying is mandatory. Presiding over a meeting, she said quick response teams will verify no-objection certificates for each location and enforce a zero-tolerance policy for violations.
Under approved SOPs, kite flying will be allowed only on registered rooftops, while gatherings beyond specified limits will require NOCs. Awareness campaigns on Basant rules are also underway in educational institutions. Officials have completed registration of sale points across the city, including the Red Zone, with more than 2,276 sellers issued NOCs.
Provincial Minister Bilal Yasin said that kite flying will not be allowed in the construction sites in Lahore. He said that authorities have stopped work and ordered safety barriers, and warning boards for the safety of citizens.
