Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has expressed her intention to communicate with the Chief Minister of Indian Punjab regarding the urgent smog crisis affecting both regions
By Faizan Khan
LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced a significant initiative to combat smog and air pollution by implementing a “green lockdown” in high-pollution areas of Lahore. As reported by Metro Morning on Tuesday, the Environmental Protection Department has issued a notification detailing the restrictions that will come into effect. Under this lockdown, construction activities will be prohibited, the entry of auto-rickshaws will be banned, and the use of commercial generators will be restricted. Furthermore, outdoor barbecues will not be allowed after 8 pm in these designated areas.
The lockdown specifically targets air pollution hotspots, including Davis Road, Aigertron Road, Durand Road, and Kashmir Road. Additional areas affected include the route from Shalimar Hill to Gulshan Cinema and Abbott Road, as well as the stretch from Shalimar Hill to the railway station and Empress Road. Queen Mary Road and its surrounding regions have also been identified as pollution-affected areas.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has expressed her intention to communicate with the Chief Minister of Indian Punjab regarding the urgent smog crisis affecting both regions. She emphasized the need for collaborative efforts, stating, “The issue of smog is not just political; it is a human problem. We cannot fight it effectively unless both Punjabs work together.”
In related developments, Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb announced the demolition of four industrial units in Lahore for not installing emission control systems. The Punjab Environment Protection Department recently inspected 941 vehicles, imposing fines totaling Rs503,000 on 234 vehicles for excessive smoke emissions and impounding 72 of them. In response to Lahore’s deteriorating air quality, authorities have mandated that residents wear face masks, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) peaking at an alarming 520 and averaging 198 reported on Tuesday.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed relevant departments to rigorously enforce environmental regulations. To further tackle the smog crisis, approximately 2,500 vehicles with faulty engines have been grounded, 469 factories sealed, and brick kilns demolished. Law enforcement has also registered 318 FIRs against individuals burning straw and crop residues, leading to multiple arrests. These measures aim to improve air quality and safeguard public health in the region.
