Lahore: The Punjab Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has accelerated preparations for the pre-smog season, deciding to take strict action against elements contributing to air pollution.
A meeting of field officers was held under the chairmanship of Director General Environment Punjab Abdullah Nayyar Sheikh,during which a comprehensive strategy for pre-smog action was reviewed.
The DG directed field officers to take indiscriminate action against smoke-emitting units and identify major sources of pollution in their respective districts,ensuring immediate action against violators.
He categorically stated that no brick kiln would be allowed to operate without zigzag technology,directing officials to take strict action against kilns operating without the required technology.
Industrial units lacking effective emission-control systems would also not be tolerated,he said,directing officials to ensure the installation and effective functioning of emission control systems at industrial units.
The meeting decided to continuously monitor smoke-emitting factories, brick kilns and other sources of pollution. The pre-smog operation would not remain limited to industries and brick kilns,as other sources of pollution would also be targeted.
The DG directed field officers to take effective measures to control fugitive dust,particularly dust generated from construction activities and exposed soil,sand and other materials at open sites.
Construction sites would be required to implement dust-control measures and ensure regular water sprinkling.
He also ordered intensified action against smoke-emitting heavy transport vehicles and HTVs with vehicle inspections to be carried out in coordination with traffic and other relevant departments.
Abdullah Nayyar Sheikh directed officials to ensure compliance with environmental laws in the industrial, transport,construction and other sectors.
Field officers were also instructed to prevent open burning of garbage and other materials.
Effective coordination with district administrations and relevant departments,including traffic,transport and local government authorities was ordered to ensure joint action against polluters.
The meeting also decided to launch a coordinated district-level awareness campaign,educating industrialists, brick kiln owners,transporters and citizens about measures to control pollution.
The DG said the objective of the pre-smog operation was to control pollution sources before smog intensified. Polluters would be required to comply with environmental laws in advance, he added.
‘We will not limit ourselves to notices;practical action will be taken against violations in accordance with the law,’he said,directing strict action against repeat offenders.
Field officers were ordered to continuously monitor pollution hotspots and ensure prompt response to public complaints regarding pollution sources.
