With Lahore facing 275 days of unhealthy Air Quality Index (AQI) levels each year and a notable temperature rise of 3.2 degrees Celsius, the minister underscored the urgency of the situation
By our correspondent
LAHORE: Punjab’s Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb has taken a firm stance on the escalating issue of air pollution in Lahore, calling on citizens to join the fight against smog. Speaking at a press conference dedicated to the Anti-Smog Action Plan, Aurangzeb warned that, despite significant efforts, it will take between eight to ten years to effectively eliminate smog from the city.
Aurangzeb pointed to specific hotspots in Lahore that are particularly affected by methane clouds and heat islands. She revealed alarming statistics: among the 45,000 motorcycles in the city, 1,800 are emitting smoke, in addition to one hundred thousand vehicles, 1,200 kilns, and 60,800 industrial units, all contributing to a population of approximately 15 million. With Lahore facing 275 days of unhealthy Air Quality Index (AQI) levels each year and a notable temperature rise of 3.2 degrees Celsius, the minister underscored the urgency of the situation.
Highlighting the need for collective action, Aurangzeb called upon residents to declare a “war against smog.” She clarified that only 30% of the smog in Lahore is attributed to pollution from India, while the remaining 70% is generated locally. Over the past six months, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has been implementing a multi-sector mitigation action plan, which includes ongoing regulations and awareness campaigns.
Aurangzeb detailed the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward emissions, noting that 700 kilns have been demolished across the province, with 212 located in Lahore. The Environmental Protection Department has conducted 15,000 visits to industrial units, resulting in the sealing of 64 mills and the demolition of 152 factories. To tackle pollution, the government is promoting efficient waste disposal practices among farmers, having filed over 400 FIRs against those burning crop residue.
