Punjab imposes ‘environmental emergency’ in smog-hit Lahore
Punjab government on Tuesday declared the provincial capital Lahore as a calamity-hit area and imposed an ‘environmental emergency’ due to the hazardous smog.
Taking to twitter, Punjab CM Chaudhry Pervez Elahi called smog a ‘disaster’. He ordered to ensure effective implementation of the plan formulated to reduce smog.
“Action should be taken to control the factors that cause smog,” he added.
Punjab CM went on to say that anti-smog squads will be checking vehicles in the city emitting smoke and actions will be taken against them. “This campaign will last for three months,” Elahi added.
He said that authorities will not lapse in implementation of the ongoing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to reduce smog.
“A ban has also been imposed on the burning of crop residues across the province,” Elahi said, warning that strict action will be taken against those violating the orders.
The chief minister added that modern harvesters would be provided to farmers in a bid to prevent them from stubble burning, while brick kilns will be transferred to zigzag technology.
On the other hand, the Lahore High Court has directed the Punjab government to keep schools in Lahore closed for three days a week due to the worsening smog situation.
