Islamabad, Jan 7: In an effort to tackle the rising levels of air pollution and dust, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has unveiled a new initiative aimed at reducing smog in Lahore. Drawing inspiration from successful measures used in China, the plan will see the installation of locally developed water sprinkler systems at 1,500 construction sites across the city.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted a three-week trial of the water sprinkling system, which proved successful in minimizing dust and particulate matter at construction sites. Following the trials, the government has decided to move forward with full-scale implementation. The Communication and Works (C&W) Department, along with the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), has been directed to begin installation immediately.
These water sprinklers are designed to spray water in a fountain-like manner, suppressing dust and debris at construction sites and significantly improving air quality. In addition to the sprinklers, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has mandated that construction sites in Lahore use green coverings to contain dust, cement, and soil, further reducing airborne pollutants. The installation of sprinklers is set to begin with high-traffic sites, including Qaddafi Stadium, which will be equipped by January 15.
Starting February 10, the Punjab government plans to enforce strict penalties against construction sites that do not comply with the new regulations. Senator Maryam Aurangzeb emphasized that these initiatives, in conjunction with misting techniques, are part of a comprehensive strategy to combat smog and improve air quality across the province. The EPA has been working diligently for the past nine months to address air pollution, and this new approach is expected to yield significant improvements in the city’s air quality.
