Lahore: The Punjab government has imposed an ‘environment emergency’ in Lahore to tackle the worsening smog situation, news sources reported on December 7.
The government has banned the burning of crop leftovers and stubble, as well as the operation of industries that violate environmental rules. Speaking at an emergency meeting of the provincial government cabinet, Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Pervaiz Elahi said that for the next three months, an anti-smog squad will be tasked with checking and fining vehicles entering and exiting the city. The squad will be responsible for checking and prohibiting entry, as well as inspecting industrial enterprises for violations of environmental rules. He also said that the government will help farmers by providing subsidies for modern harvesting equipment that will decrease crop leftovers.
It is worth noting that Lahore has been ranked the worst city in the world in terms of the Air Quality Index (AQI) with hazardous conditions. Recently, the Lahore High Court (LHC) asked the province administration to adjust office hours for government offices as well as three-day school breaks.
Nauman Ahmad is an imaginative Pisces whose love for literature and nature is unparalleled. When he's not reading or hiking, he's sleeping and eating, which gives him plenty of energy for his next adventure.
