Smog
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has officially declared smog a calamity across Punjab, taking urgent steps to mitigate the worsening air quality.
In a statement issued today, the PDMA announced a comprehensive ban on all activities contributing to smog formation, aiming to reduce the health risks posed by the hazardous environmental conditions.
According to the PDMA, illegal activities such as burning crop residue, the use of vehicles emitting visible smoke, industrial operations without proper emission control systems, and the burning of solid waste, tyres, and plastics have been prohibited. Stone crushers operating without wet scrubbers have also been ordered to cease operations immediately.
The PDMA has empowered local deputy commissioners with authority to enforce these measures and ensure compliance at the district level.
As part of the mitigation strategy, special emphasis has been placed on controlling fugitive dust and restricting traffic-related encroachments, which cause traffic jams and contribute to smog buildup.
To address the alarming air pollution levels, the Punjab government has also imposed a “green lockdown” in identified pollution hotspots in Lahore, including Davis Road, Egerton Road, and other key areas.
Restrictions include a ban on construction activities, the use of commercial generators, ching-chi rickshaws, and food outlets using charcoal after 8 PM. Offices in these areas have been advised to implement a 50% work-from-home policy.
Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb emphasized that strict enforcement of smog-related Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) was being ensured under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. She further highlighted that violators of smog regulations, particularly those burning crop residues, would face immediate legal action.
The PDMA’s swift actions aim to improve air quality and safeguard public health as the smog crisis escalates.
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