Lahore: Under the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the smog control operation is proceeding in full swing, with simultaneous efforts underway to monitor, prevent and enforce regulations on the ground regarding local sources of pollution.
According to a spokesperson here on Sunday, air quality conditions were expected to improve as wind speeds increase after 10: 00 AM.
As part of proactive measures taken across Punjab ahead of the smog season, drone squads, night squads and “Hawk-Eye” field squads are conducting round-the-clock surveillance, while action is being taken against violators of environmental laws.
Over the past 24 hours, 220 industrial units were inspected, seven units were sealed, and fines amounting to Rs 850,000 were imposed. Operations against brick kilns involved the inspection of 379 kilns, three were demolished, four were sealed, and four cases were registered, while 10 kilns received notices and fines totaling Rs 1.2 million were levied. During a crackdown on substandard plastic, 230 locations were inspected; four premises were sealed, 3,515 kilograms of plastic were confiscated, 45 notices were issued, and fines totaling Rs 66,000 were imposed.
To curb smoke emissions from barbecue and commercial cooking sites, 206 locations were inspected; suction hoods were installed at 86 sites, 16 premises were sealed, and fines amounting to Rs 35,000 were levied.
Water sprinkling operations to suppress dust have been intensified across Punjab, including Lahore. Over the past 24 hours, water was sprayed on 1,006 kilometers of roads, and 35 road shoulders were repaired or reconstructed.
Action against construction-related pollution is also underway, with 46 measures taken to ensure that exposed and unsecured construction materials are properly covered.
A zero-tolerance policy regarding the burning of crop residues continues to be enforced. By October 3, the harvesting of the rice crop had been completed across 815,558 acres in Punjab. To dispose of crop residues using mechanical methods, 187 balers and 1,259 Kubota machines are active in the field, having facilitated harvesting operations across 426,759 acres.
According to the Punjab government, the distribution of over 10,000 ‘Super Seeders’ is also underway to enable the incorporation of crop residues into the soil rather than burning them. Notices have been issued to 448,712 farmers so far to prevent them from burning crop residues.
Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb stated that the battle against smog was not limited to just one season, as the government had incorporated monitoring, enforcement, mechanized farming, water sprinkling and public awareness into a comprehensive action plan.
She noted that the Punjab government had ensured there was no lapse in monitoring or field operations, with all relevant agencies active in the field and immediate action against violations being ensured. She urged citizens to refrain from burning trash and plastic, and advised farmers to adopt modern mechanized methods instead of burning crop residues.