LAHORE: The Punjab government is set to address the pressing issue of smog in the province, particularly in Lahore. Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi has called an important meeting to discuss and approve measures aimed at combating smog, as stated in an official statement released on Monday.
The proposed measures include the temporary closure of educational institutions, commercial markets, factories, and offices in the provincial capital, Lahore, specifically on Wednesdays. This initiative aims to curb smog-related concerns in the region.
Key stakeholders involved in this decision-making process will include provincial ministers, the chief secretary, police chief, environmental experts, and relevant officials. The final determination will be reached through consensus after a thorough assessment of the smog situation.
Following the meeting, the provincial ministers of information and environment will conduct a press conference to brief the media on the measures adopted to manage smog effectively.
Last week, there were reports suggesting that the Punjab government was considering implementing restrictions in Lahore, similar to those imposed during the coronavirus pandemic, in response to the deteriorating smog situation.
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The expected measures may include a complete shutdown on Wednesdays, resulting in the closure of schools, markets, and factories. Additionally, government departments may operate with reduced staff strength on Wednesdays, and snap-checking may be enforced during the weekend, on both Saturday and Sunday.
It’s worth noting that the primary cause of smog in the city is the high volume of traffic, while emissions from factories contribute to only 7% of the overall pollution in Lahore. To address this, recommendations include imposing significant fines on factories that violate environmental regulations and, if necessary, closing down non-compliant facilities.
According to sources, the peak smog levels tend to occur during the first three days of the week, from Monday to Wednesday. Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa also revealed that authorities are contemplating implementing a work-from-home policy for a two-month period to combat smog in the Lahore Division.
This impending decision demonstrates the government’s proactive approach to tackling smog-related issues and protecting the well-being of its citizens.
