The provincial government on Wednesday declared an “emergency” in a swift response to Lahore’s alarming air quality crisis that caused smog in winter which has been declared a calamity by the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in the province.
The PDMA swiftly banned the burning of crop residue and issued crackdown orders on vehicles emitting smoke as Lahore, early Tuesday morning, recorded an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 439, as reported by the global air quality monitoring platform.
Furthermore, strict action will be taken against factories causing environmental pollution, with district administrations closely monitoring industries and brick kilns. Deputy Commissioners were granted powers equivalent to the relief commissioner, enabling them to implement necessary measures to control and mitigate smog.
A PDMA spokesperson emphasized the need for vigilance against factories causing pollution and directed district administrations to monitor kilns operating without zig-zag technology, a method designed to reduce emissions. Stringent action will be taken against those violating government orders.
In response to the crisis, environmental experts advised against closing schools and halting transport services, citing the need for more targeted interventions. Instead, masks were made mandatory for students at all public and private schools in the province for one month. Provincial ministers were directed to visit schools to ensure compliance.
Interim Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi issued instructions to officials and civic bodies in Lahore, emphasizing proper disposal of dust, sand, and clay during construction activities. Farmers, initially penalized for burning crop residue, were advised to explore alternative disposal methods.
