In the city of gardens, Lahore, smog became a nightmare for the citizens. As the air quality index rose to alarming levels, smoke-emitting vehicles were permanently banned.
According to sources, smog has become the fifth season in Lahore. Despite all the measures taken by the administration, its severity is not decreasing, which is mainly due to the 13.5 lakh motorcycles and 1.6 lakh vehicles which are increasing in number on a daily basis.
Sources say that there has been a wave of concern among the citizens over the order to stop smoking vehicles.
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Smoke-emitting vehicles, motorcycles and rickshaws are moving on the roads of the city, which is increasing the air pollution. Owners of vehicles that cause smog are unwilling to repair their vehicle’s engine.
The environment department says that canceling the route permits of commercial vehicles is creating an atmosphere of improvement.
On the other hand, on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister and Environment Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, it was decided to take a big step against the polluting industrial units in Lahore. 8 units have been sealed for violation, fines of 2 lakhs have also been imposed.
Parliamentary Secretary for Environment along with Deputy Director of Environment raided Ring Road, Mehmood Buti, Badami Bagh and Karol Ghati areas and closed 5 units. Kanwal Liaquat said that strict measures are being taken to protect the environment and public health. Violation of environmental norms will not be tolerated.
He further said that elimination of environmental pollution is the first priority of the Chief Minister of Punjab. Clean air is the right of every citizen and she will take all possible steps to protect this right along with the environment department.
Department of Environmental Protection has released Air Quality Index of Lahore. The city recorded an air quality index of 324 in the morning. Within 24 hours, industrial units and kilns were fined 11 lakh while 20 units were sealed and 6 demolished.
FIRs have been registered against 13 units and kilns for the violation. Action was taken against 14 for the violation of carrying sand and mud in vehicles.
The spokesman of the Environment Protection Department has said that the index will be higher for a few days due to the increase in humidity in the air. Citizens should avoid unnecessary travel.
They say to wear mask and goggles while going out, limit going out for exercise walk, old people stay at home.
The spokesman further said that people suffering from respiratory and heart diseases should consult a doctor, keep the windows and doors of the houses closed and get the vehicles fitted immediately.
Secretary Environment Protection Department Punjab Raja Jahangir Anwar has said that as a result of the eastern polluted air blowing from India, the average air quality index of the last 24 hours has once again increased abnormally. According to satellite and meteorological research institutes, the wind is currently blowing towards Lahore at a speed of 1 km per hour.
Environment Secretary Punjab Raja Jahangir Anwar has appealed to the public to make the use of masks mandatory. Citizens have played a practical role for the elimination of smog for the last 10 days, due to which there has been a significant reduction in burning garbage and smoke from vehicles.
In the last 28 days, the Environment Protection Department has closed more than 2,500 smoke-emitting vehicles, 469 factories and demolished kilns. 318 FIRs have been registered for violations of laws while arrests and fines of farmers who set fire to crops are also ongoing. Secretary Environment Protection Punjab said that for the environmental balance in the region, it is necessary that India also take practical steps to control the causes of smog in its regions.
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**Interview with Kanwal Liaquat, Parliamentary Secretary for Environment in Punjab**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Liaquat. Lahore is facing significant challenges due to smog and rising air pollution levels. Can you provide an overview of the current situation?
**Kanwal Liaquat:** Thank you for having me. Yes, Lahore has indeed been suffering from severe air quality issues, exacerbated by smoke-emitting vehicles, industrial emissions, and an increasing number of motorcycles and vehicles on the roads. The Air Quality Index has reached alarming levels, and we recognize that smog has essentially become the “fifth season” here.
**Editor:** The recent decision to permanently ban smoke-emitting vehicles has drawn significant attention. What prompted this move, and how do you foresee it impacting air quality in Lahore?
**Kanwal Liaquat:** The decision to ban smoke-emitting vehicles stems from the urgent need to improve air quality and protect public health. Our environment department noted that despite our best efforts, the severity of smog was not decreasing. Banning these vehicles is a critical step towards reducing pollution. We hope this will encourage vehicle owners to maintain their engines properly and contribute to a cleaner environment.
**Editor:** There seems to be growing concern among citizens regarding this ban. Can you elaborate on the feedback you’re receiving from the community?
**Kanwal Liaquat:** Absolutely, there is a mix of concern and hope among the citizens. Many are worried about the immediate impacts of these measures on their daily lives, especially those reliant on motorcycles and rickshaws. However, there is also an understanding that the long-term benefit of cleaner air is essential for public health. We are engaging with communities to ensure they understand the importance of these measures and are exploring ways to provide alternatives.
**Editor:** The government is also taking action against polluting industrial units. Can you tell us more about those efforts?
**Kanwal Liaquat:** Yes, under the directive of our Chief Minister and Environment Minister, we have ramped up efforts against polluting industries. Recently, we sealed eight industrial units for violations and imposed fines. Our teams are actively monitoring and conducting raids in problem areas to hold violators accountable. Our main goal is to eliminate environmental pollution and enforce strict compliance with environmental norms.
**Editor:** What other initiatives are being discussed to tackle air pollution in Lahore?
**Kanwal Liaquat:** We are exploring various initiatives, including increasing public awareness about air quality, promoting electric vehicles, enhancing public transit, and stricter regulations for industrial emissions. Clean air is a fundamental right, and our administration is committed to taking comprehensive steps to protect it.
**Editor:** Thank you, Mr. Liaquat, for sharing these insights. It’s clear that while challenges remain, there is a strong commitment from the government to improve Lahore’s air quality.
**Kanwal Liaquat:** Thank you for having me. We appreciate the public’s support and understanding as we navigate these critical interventions for a healthier Lahore.
