Punjab Finance Minister Hashim Jawan Bakht has claimed that prevailing smog-like situation in the provincial metropolis is caused by the smoke emitted from certain places in India where farmers are burning their crop stubbles. Due to change in the air direction, this smoke is reaching the provincial metropolis and adding to the pollution.
He further said that the provincial government has started prevention measures. Vehicles and factories emitting smoke while brick kilns working on old technology are being shut down temporarily. He said it will be ensured that the kilns should work on latest technology while industries use clean oil and energy.
The Minister was chairing a meeting here on Thursday to review the steps taken by the Environment Department Punjab. The meeting was convened under the Special Monitoring Unit of the Chief Minister Punjab. He said committees have been constituted to monitor the situation and they included experts from the agriculture, industries, energy, local government, transport, Punjab horticulture, traffic police and others. This committee will ensure introduction of alternate to burning of crop stubbles, take action against burning of solid waste, plastic, tyre and rubber under section 144.
The minister directed the Environment Protection Department (EPD) to immediately prepare projects cycles to be included in the Annual Development Programme (ADP). He also stressed the need for negotiation with the industrialists prior to taking action against those kilns and factories using old technology.
Meanwhile, the Environment Protection Department (EPD) Punjab has expedited smog-awareness campaign in the metropolitan city to sensitize people to be well-prepared to avoid health hazards and take safety precautions.
According to the spokesman, the campaign has been launched on the special directions of provincial minister for environment protection Muhammad Rizwan to raise awareness about best practices to keep oneself safe and healthy during smog season.
In this regard, the teams distributed face masks among motorcyclists, motorists and pedestrians on important roads of the city. While talking to the media, the EPD spokesman said that pollution of the night between November 6 and 7 was due to burning of crops residue at Indian side but now with the blessings of Allah Almighty and after the rain, the situation has been improved to a great extent. The spokesman urged the people to use face masks or handkerchief on their faces while leaving their houses in order to protect themselves from the pollution.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2019
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