LAHORE: The Punjab government has prepared a comprehensive plan to tackle smog and improve air quality across the province.
The Smog Steering Committee, chaired by Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, approved multiple measures to control air pollution. Officials revealed that Punjab will introduce a modern air quality monitoring system for the first time. Currently, 38 air quality monitoring centers are operational across the province, with plans to increase the number to 41.
Additionally, five mobile monitoring systems have been prepared. The Chief Minister directed that air quality reports be issued every eight hours to provide timely information to the public.
To reduce crop residue burning, farmers will be provided with modern agricultural machinery, including super seeders, with the number increased to 5,000. A harvester program will also be introduced, and machinery can be shifted between areas to help farmers.
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For smog control, the government has deployed 12 drone squads and 8 e-squads. In Lahore, the PHA has been instructed to complete projects like “Lungs of Lahore” and “Lahore Rang” on time to ensure clean air for residents.
In Faisalabad and Gujranwala, projects worth Rs5 billion have been launched to manage waste disposal. The government has also approved the “Liquid Tree” initiative for areas where planting normal trees is difficult.
To reduce haze, 15 fog cannons and 25 modern machines for analyzing toxic gases have been handed over to the Environment Department. Vehicles with faulty engines or excessive smoke emissions will not be allowed on the roads, and those who fail to fix their engines after three fines will have their vehicles impounded.
Nine no-plastic zones will be created in the province, and seized plastic bags will be recycled to make colorful dustbins for government schools. All schools in Punjab will have these dustbins installed by October 31.
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A new complaint system has also been approved, linking phone number 1737 to Helpline 15. Environmental violation appeals can now be filed online, with decisions delivered within 48 hours.
Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said that in severe smog conditions, educational institutions and business centers may be closed. She appealed to the media to support government awareness campaigns on smog prevention and environmental protection.
The meeting was attended by provincial ministers including Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Khawaja Salman Rafiq, Khawaja Imran Nazir, Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, Malik Saheb Ahmed Bhart, and other officials.
