LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced plans to introduce electric vehicles, including motorcycles and buses, aiming to reduce environmental pollution.
As per report, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb chaired a key session to review progress in four crucial sectors. She was updated on the progress of issues related to air quality, school education, population, and health.
A high-level delegation from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) also attended the session. An effective and actionable roadmap for the eradication of smog was also discussed in the session. Bikes emitting smoke would be fined based on identification through safe city cameras.
Crop burning in May also contributed to increased smog, as announced in the session. The government aims to reduce air pollution by improving the air quality index from 100 PM to 70 PM by 2028.
It was revealed that approximately 1,800 new bikes are registered in Lahore daily. Motorcycles are the largest contributors to air pollution, accounting for about 75% of transport pollution.
Decisive legislation and the implementation of environmental laws would enable the achievement of goals for smog reduction. Aurangzeb announced government plans to introduce electric vehicles, including bikes and buses, to reduce environmental pollution.
A crackdown will be conducted against vehicles, with heavy fines imposed for violations of environmental laws. Models from Bangladesh and China could be adopted to control pollution caused by bikes.
She asserted that public awareness is essential for crucial environmental measures. Plantation is necessary for reducing environmental challenges.
The minister shared plans for access to education, quality education, and governance. Tech programs at the middle and matric levels would be launched in approximately 500 schools across Punjab.
