Punjab Intensifies Anti-Smog Operations as Lahore AQI Reaches 158

The operation has been launched on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, with drone, night and Hawk Eye field squads also mobilised to monitor and control pollution sources., 269 industrial units were inspected during the past 24 hours. Eleven units were sealed, a case was registered against one unit and fines amounting to Rs1.2 million were imposed.

In a crackdown on brick kilns, 431 kilns were inspected, five were demolished, nine were sealed and nine cases were registered, while fines of Rs1.4 million were imposed. Authorities also inspected 309 locations over the use of substandard plastic.

Seventeen locations were sealed, 1,297 kilograms of plastic was confiscated and fines of Rs148,000 were imposed. As part of action against major local sources of smoke, 245 barbecue and commercial cooking points were inspected. Suction hoods were installed at 55 locations, while 34 sites were sealed.

To control dust pollution, water was sprayed over 1,178 kilometres of roads. Arrangements were made to cover exposed construction material at 44 locations, while nine measures were taken to repair road shoulders.

The government said more than 215,000 farmers across Punjab had been contacted to prevent the burning of crop residue, while more than 431,000 farmers had so far been trained on measures to prevent stubble burning., cultivation has been completed on more than 6.38 million acres out of a total rice area exceeding 6.332 million acres.

The government said 1.259 million acres of crop residue had been managed through 2,800 Kabuta machines, while around 89,000 acres had been managed using 187 balers. Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said action, awareness and preventive measures against every local source of smog would continue to ensure clean air, a safe environment and better public health.

She appealed to farmers and citizens to cooperate with the government and dispose of crop residue through environment-friendly methods. She also urged citizens to report smoke-related complaints by calling 1373.