Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said that smog is a major issue in Punjab, and Lahore’s Air Quality Index has reached a dangerous level of 450.
Talking to newsmen in Lahore today, she said that the problem of smog is increasing and some cities are engulfed in it.
She said that as soon as Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took charge, she focused on this critical issue.
She expressed regret that in previous tenures, smog was only managed for three months, with no protective measures being taken.
She emphasized that efforts are being made for environmental protection and that a ban has been imposed on the use of plastic bags in Punjab. She said that fitness certificates have been made mandatory for vehicles and motorcycles that contribute to pollution and a zero-tolerance policy for old, polluting vehicles is being enforced.
She said that there is zero tolerance for stubble burning and actions have been taken in areas like Narowal, Sheikhupura, Hafizabad and Gujranwala.
Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the Punjab government is providing super seeders to farmers at subsidized rates.
She informed the public that a new 1373 helpline has been introduced for the first time, which can be used to report stubble burning.
She announced that the Chief Minister of Punjab is introducing e-mass transit within three months.
She also praised the work of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is active in Punjab and playing a vital role in combating smog.
She said that brick kilns using old technology were demolished, and indiscriminate action has been taken against brick kiln owners. She said that all brick kilns have been shifted to zigzag technology in Lahore and Sheikhpura.
Marriyum Aurangzeb informed that the climate change policy has been approved by the Punjab cabinet.
She said that the Punjab government has finalized the plan to address the smog issue and combat it.
