Islamabad, Jan 31: The Punjab government has taken a significant step towards addressing air pollution with the establishment of 30 Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AQMS) across the province, including in Lahore.
This project, spearheaded by the Environment Protection and Climate Change Department (EP&CCD), is part of the World Bank-supported Punjab Green Development Program (PGDP). The main objective of these stations is to track pollution levels in real-time, providing vital data to inform policies that aim to enhance air quality and safeguard public health.
Lahore has become a focal point for this initiative, with five mobile air quality monitoring units and eight fixed stations actively measuring pollution levels. Other key cities such as Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Gujranwala, and Sialkot have also benefited from the installation of these monitoring stations.
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The data gathered from these stations provides an in-depth analysis of pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, CO, SO2, NO2, and O3, as well as relevant weather conditions. This real-time information is essential in tracking air quality fluctuations and identifying pollution hotspots.
In March of the previous year, the Punjab government introduced the Climate Resilient Punjab Vision and Action Plan as part of its comprehensive approach to tackling pollution and climate change. The AQMS initiative is a critical component of this plan, aiming to bring about tangible improvements in air quality.
The collected data will guide policymakers in taking precise and timely actions to reduce harmful emissions and protect public health. For instance, the detailed analysis of pollution trends will allow authorities to target high-risk areas with stricter regulations or public health campaigns.
Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb has highlighted the importance of the AQMS initiative in the broader context of Punjab’s climate objectives. The real-time data not only assists in pollution control but also supports sustainable development goals by fostering a cleaner and healthier environment.
This ambitious project reflects the provincial government’s commitment to improving air quality, reducing the adverse impacts of pollution, and ensuring a better quality of life for its citizens.
With these ongoing efforts, Punjab is setting a precedent for other provinces in tackling environmental challenges, making significant strides towards achieving a climate-resilient future.
