Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Punjab’s Green Lockdown Move to Combat Lahore’s Smog Crisis

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In a significant effort to tackle smog and air pollution, the Punjab government has announced a ‘green lockdown’ in high-pollution areas of Lahore.

The lockdown targets pollution hotspots, including Davis Road, Aigertron Road, Durand Road, and Kashmir Road, as well as areas like Shalimar Hill to Gulshan Cinema, Abbott Road, the railway station, Empress Road, and Queen Mary Road.

The Environmental Protection Department has issued a notification for the lockdown, prohibiting construction activities in designated zones. Auto-rickshaws will be banned from these areas, and the use of commercial generators will be restricted. Additionally, outdoor barbecues will be prohibited after 8 pm.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz plans to contact the Chief Minister of Indian Punjab regarding the urgent smog crisis affecting both regions. She emphasized the need for collaboration, stating, “The issue of smog is not just political; it is a human problem. We cannot fight it effectively unless both Punjabs work together.”

Earlier today, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan scheduled a special session to discuss the escalating smog crisis in Lahore and its surroundings, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Previously, Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb announced the demolition of four industrial units in Lahore for failing to install emission control systems. The Punjab Environment Protection Department inspected 941 vehicles, imposing fines of Rs503,000 on 234 for excessive smoke emissions and impounding 72 vehicles.

In response to Lahore’s deteriorating air quality, authorities have mandated that residents wear face masks, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached alarming levels, peaking at 520, with an average of 198 reported on Tuesday.

CM Maryam Nawaz has directed relevant departments to enforce environmental regulations strictly. To address the smog crisis, approximately 2,500 faulty vehicles have been grounded, 469 factories sealed, and brick kilns demolished.

Additionally, law enforcement has registered 318 FIRs against individuals burning straw and crop residues, resulting in multiple arrests. These measures aim to improve air quality and safeguard public health in the region


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