Lahore: Due to dropping levels of smog in the province, Punjab Environmental Protection Department has lifted the ban from kilns located in the Green Zone, report a news source. In order to keep smog levels under control in the province, the provincial government had placed a ban on kilns, burning of hay and garbage, smoke-emitting cars, and pollution causing factories.
In this regard, Punjab was also divided into three zones; Green Zone, Yellow Zone and Red Zone. Kiln owners and labours engaged with the brick industry in these zones had been facing financial issues due to the ban and had strong reservations against it. Considering their financial situation and also the fact that areas and districts falling in Green Zone face less smog threats now, the Environment Protection Department has lifted the ban.
In the next phase, ban on kilns in Yellow Zones will be lifted partially. Meanwhile, all kilns located in districts and town located in the Red Zone will remain shut until the department decides otherwise. These districts that fall in Red Zone include Lahore, Kasur, Nankana Sahib, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Okara, Narowal, and Faisalabad.
