Punjab govt takes remedial steps to combat smog
Pakistan
Air quality index in Shimla Hill reached alarming levels of around 300
LAHORE (Dunya News) - The Punjab government started taking remedial steps to combat the wave of severe smog.
In this regard, the metropolis authorities have imposed a stringent “green lockdown” across high-pollution zones, restricting activities that contribute to air pollution until Nov 4.
Under the new measures, entry of smoke-emitting commercial vehicles and Chingchi rickshaws into Shimla Hill and adjoining areas including Abbott Road, Egerton Road, Empress Road, Durand Road, and Davis Road has been restricted.
Parking facilities outside key locations such as the Nadra office and Shaheen Complex have been shifted to alternative areas.
Rickshaws have been barred from entering Shimla Hill from routes like Garhi Shahu Chowk, Police Lines, Montgomery Road, and Davis Chowk, to ease congestion and reduce emissions.
Special traffic wardens are stationed across main highways, with barriers to enforce the restrictions, while water sprinkling is underway in open spaces to suppress dust particles.
A ban has also been placed on sweeping open spaces without prior water sprinkling, to limit dust dispersal in the green lockdown zones.
More to read: LHC orders demolition of smoke-belching factories amid 'green lockdown' in Lahore
On the first day of the green lockdown, the air quality index (AQI) in the Shimla Hill region reached alarming levels of around 300—indicative of severe air quality challenges in this area during smog season.
The Punjab Environment Protection Agency issued the lockdown notification in response to escalating pollution levels in Lahore. The green lockdown zones span across Davis Road, Egerton Road, Durand Road, Kashmir Road, and areas from Shimla Hill to Gulshan Cinema, Abbott Road, Railway Station, and Empress Road. Queen Mary Road and its surrounding areas have also been included.
Additional restrictions apply within these zones, including a ban on construction activities, the operation of commercial generators, and open barbeques after 8 pm.
Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz underscored the need for 'climate diplomacy' with India to tackle the scourge of smog.
The Lahore High Court also ordered the demolition of smoke-emitting factories. Justice Shahid Karim issued the order in a written verdict on the petition of Haroon Farooq and others. The court also ordered stringent action against those involved in burning crop residues.
The LHC sought details of buses being used by schools to pick and drop students. The judge said teams had been constituted to monitor pollution by factories in Sargodha. The judge sought a detailed report on Lahore’s Tollinton Market in the next hearing.
