Islamabad, Sep 7: The Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) government is prioritizing taking comprehensive action to prevent smog and provide a clean environment for future generations, according to Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.
“We need to contribute in order to give the next generation access to a clean environment,” she stated at a press conference held here on Saturday. She expressed sadness that the Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI) government, in its four years in office, had not developed a plan to address the problem of smog. She continued, “As a country, we have to do our share to provide a clean and clear environment for the future generations.”
The top provincial minister declared that smog posed a serious threat to public health and that the quality of the air was deteriorating. She said that the air quality index for Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Lahore had risen to dangerous levels. “If it is not controlled well in time, it will take a dangerous toxic form,” she cautioned. According to the minister, the air quality index in Lahore is reported at 450 in October, November, and December, compared to an average of 50 worldwide.
“Smog-related diseases are on the rise; children are primarily affected by smog.” Marriyum cautioned that those with cancer and breast problems run the danger of dying young and developing major illnesses. She claimed that throughout the previous four to five years, the smog issue had gotten worse. The government of Punjab has scheduled the removal of pollution, and the use of plastic bags was prohibited during the first phase for the previous several months, she continued.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb declared that a new vehicle inspection procedure has been initiated and that effective fitness certificates are now required for all cars. A car tracking system that is connected to the Punjab Safe Cities Authority has also been unveiled. The minister disclosed that Lahore will receive modern gas analysers to control smoke emissions. A special helpline for residents has been established, and the air quality tracking system is being reinforced.
The minister emphasized how vital it is to fight smog and pollution.Seasonal crop burning is illegal, according to Marriyum, who also noted that 200 cases of violations had been lodged, leading to 50 arrests and fines. She emphasized that increased crop residue burning causes the smog problem to worsen in October, November, and December. Crop residue reports are encouraged to be made to the helpline by farmers. As per the direction of the Chief Minister, farmers are receiving 1,000 protective shields, and 60% of the subsidies are still accessible.
The minister urged people to do their share while reiterating the government’s commitment to eradicating smog and pollution. 45,000 industrial units have been inspected during the last three months, and the fines incurred total Rs 15 million. In addition, 318 furnaces and 1,500 connected plants were inspected, resulting in approximately 1,500 FIRs.
There are about 8,000 brick kilns in Punjab; the ones in Lahore, Kasur, and Sheikhupura are the ones that have zigzag technology these days. For the first time, the province will not accept a development project without a plantation plan. It is anticipated that the chief minister of Punjab will shortly unveil a climate change policy.
According to Marriyum, Punjab had no plantation or climate change policy in the past. She urged a change in conduct to shield the next generation from pollution. Under the guidance of the CM, a sector-specific action plan to manage smog had previously been developed, and tasks were finished within the allotted time.
The plan outlines objectives for major city-wide public awareness initiatives, afforestation, garbage management, and toxic emission control. The Punjab zero emission initiative now includes an energy audit strategy for both public and private energy plants. In addition, a program to convert all government buildings to solar power has started, along with regional incentives for the production of solar panels. The chief minister further stated that a ban on plastic bags was implemented with a target date of June 6.
