Lahore: The Punjab government on Wednesday (October 6) declared Smog a calamity and called for special steps to address the situation, news sources reported. The development happened after the US Consulate in Lahore measured Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) at 223 and 231 for Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5.
The government instructed administrative secretaries of the concerned departments, as well as commissioners and deputy commissioners, to take special measures and make demonstrable efforts to mitigate the smog’s impact. In this regard, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has already taken steps to prevent stubble burning throughout the province, particularly in regions around major cities. The provincial interior ministry has in this regard has invoked Section 144 for a month to prevent burning of types, rubber products, plastic and crop leftovers. Similarly, the government has already directed the brick Smog Control Measures: Kilns to be closed for two months in order to reduce smoke and pollution.
Moreover, the government has made necessary arrangements to prevent the vehicular emission of particulate matter and prevent smog. It is important to note that Punjab has been under a thick pollution cover from October to January since 2014, with Lahore being the most polluted city for several years.
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.
