Rawalpindi: The division administration has launched anti-smog operations in the Rawalpindi division and is taking strict action against violators of standard operating procedures (SOPs) established to control smog, according to news published on December 26.
As per the sources, Rawalpindi Commissioner Saqib Manan has revealed that concerned officials have been instructed to scrutinize industrial units in their jurisdictions and penalise brick kiln owners for any violations and not using environment-safe technologies. During anti-smog operations conducted in the Rawalpindi Division in December, as many as 46 first information reports (FIRs) have already been lodged and fines amounting to PKR 1 million have been imposed. The source reported that the provincial government has formulated a 10-point policy to control pollution – which would remain in effect until further notice.
Under the government-sanctioned SOPs, the burning of all types of crops and garbage, transport of uncovered building materials, traffic obstructing parking and all types of dust-blowing activity is restricted. Furthermore, smoke-emitting vehicles, factories, brick kilns and stone-crushing plants in all districts including in the Rawalpindi district will be subjected to legal action for causing pollution.
Rawalpindi Commissioner Saqib Manan said that industrial units causing pollution will be strictly dealt with. He said action will be taken against industrial operators using poor quality fuel or burning old tyres for fuel. Moreover, measures are being taken against SOPs-violating stone crushers, owners of brick kilns and smoke-emitting vehicles.
The monetary penalties for violations against the environment have also been increased. The fine for crop burning is hiked to PKR 50,000, smoke-emitting brick kilns will be charged PKR 100,000, vehicles emitting smoke will have to pay PKR 2,000 and fines for industrial units, stone crushers and bakeries are raised to PKR 50,000.
In addition to these prevention measures, the division administration has launched an awareness campaign to apprise citizens of the harmful effects of smog and how to mitigate them.
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