ISLAMABAD: The Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, assured that the Federal Capital, Islamabad’s air quality is currently under control, despite rising concerns over smog in the region.
As per report, In a meeting presided over by Chairman Randhawa, measures aimed at sustaining and improving the air quality in the capital city were discussed.
Senior officials attended the session, including representatives from Islamabad Police, Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), Ministry of Climate Change’s Environment Division, Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Administration, and the CDA’s Environment Wing.
During the meeting, officials reviewed the Air Quality Index (AQI), recorded at 192 on November 13, 2024, which considers the levels of particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) in the air.
As per Pak-EPA, this AQI level indicates that while air quality is within manageable limits, sustained efforts are needed to prevent further deterioration, DG of Pak-EPA emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring and suggested regularly releasing AQI updates to keep the public informed about air quality trends.
Read More: CDA board approves Islamabad rehabilitation regulations 2024
CDA Chief commended the efforts already underway to reduce industrial emissions, noting that Islamabad’s industrial sector is relatively small and its emissions are well-regulated.
In addition to controlling industrial pollution, it was decided to enforce a zero-tolerance policy for vehicular emissions. Vehicle fitness certifications will be made mandatory, and a crackdown will target heavy and public transport vehicles emitting visible smoke, with FIRs to be registered against violators.
Specific hotspots and border areas will be closely monitored, and CDA teams will sprinkle water on construction sites to reduce dust levels.
Officials clarified that crop residue burning is not a major contributor to Islamabad’s smog, although they will monitor waste burning and fires at dumping sites, with support from Safe City project cameras for improved surveillance.
An awareness campaign is also planned to educate the public about smog-related health risks and preventive measures.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Islamabad Police FM stations, a series of health advisories will be issued, promoting mask use in high-smog areas.
Additionally, a symposium and awareness walk will be organized by CDA Hospital, along with other public sector hospitals, to further raise awareness.
On the other hand, at its 16th Board meeting, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) approved the Islamabad Rehabilitation Regulations 2024, marking a significant shift in policies related to land and Built-Up Property (BUP) acquisition within the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). The new regulations revise existing rehabilitation practices following a recent ruling from the Islamabad High Court (IHC).
