Lahore:Commissioner Lahore Division Nauman Yousaf has ordered strict enforcement of anti-smog measures across all four districts of the division, directing district administrations to ensure zero tolerance for crop residue burning as the rice harvesting season gets underway.
Chairing a divisional anti-smog meeting attended by deputy commissioners of Lahore, Kasur, Nankana Sahib and Sheikhupura, here on Monday, he directed the authorities to establish anti-smog squads in all districts and ensure their full deployment in the field.
The meeting was informed that action against crop residue burning had resulted in the registration of one FIR, six complaints and the imposition of fines amounting to Rs90,000.
The commissioner directed the authorities to intensify enforcement around the motorway in Nankana Sahib and Sheikhupura and in adjoining areas. He also called for awareness campaigns through warning notices, mosque announcements and direct outreach to farmers to prevent the burning of crop residues.
He ordered strict enforcement of traffic and environmental regulations against vehicles entering Lahore at night and tractor-trolleys transporting sand. Traffic police and regional transport authorities were directed to fine and impound smoke-emitting vehicles.
Nauman Yousaf said the use of substandard fuel, burning of garbage and tyre burning were prohibited, directing the relevant departments to maintain an effective crackdown against such practices.
He further ordered zero tolerance for brick kilns operating without zigzag technology and those emitting black smoke. The commissioner directed the authorities to monitor public and private construction sites in accordance with anti-smog standard operating procedures (SOPs) and ensure uniform legal action against violations.
Emphasising the need to prevent the burning of green waste, he directed the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), Suthra Punjab and Environment Department teams to take strict action against violators.
Deputy Commissioner Lahore Muhammad Ali Ejaz, Additional Commissioner Bilal Hassan, Deputy Commissioner Kasur Asif Raza, Deputy Commissioner Nankana Sahib Rana Hameed and Deputy Commissioner Sheikhupura Rana Tasawwur Adeel attended the meeting along with officials of the Agriculture, Environment, Development, Lahore Waste Management Company, Transport and Metropolitan Corporation Lahore departments.