Marriyum Aurangzeb chairs meeting to deliberate on anti-smog strategies

Lahore: Under the directive of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb chaired a meeting to deliberate on anti-smog strategies.

The participants devised a comprehensive sectoral action plan based on long, short and medium-term measures to combat the hazardous smog. The meeting also reviewed the effectiveness of line departments and other stakeholders in the eradication of air pollution.

Senior Minister instructed for investigation-certification of vehicles through public-private partnership aligning their QR codes, and according to their SOPs. She also emphasized to start sector-wise working on it with the full framework without further delay to benefit the people.

The meeting also deliberated on introducing the Punjab Digital Transport System. The Senior Minister highlighted the need for public awareness campaigns at the grassroots for combating smog through the proper use of anti-smog agri machinery and crushers. Complete mapping & zoning of the industry, solarization of government buildings, and initiatives regarding waste management, tree plantation and wastewater treatment plants were discussed. It was proposed to establish communication units in every sector and work on communication strategies to initiate awareness campaigns effectively.

The Senior Minister stated that the first sector-wise action plan to control smog had been devised under the directive of the chief minister. Tasks have been completed within the specified timeframe for achieving targets set by departments. For the first time in sectors such as transportation, agriculture, industry and energy, a comprehensive phased program for environment-friendly initiatives and pollution control will be implemented, she added. She stated that goals have been set for waste management, control of toxic emissions, afforestation and public awareness campaigns in cities.

Effective immediately, fitness certificates will be mandatory for all vehicles and annual inspections will be conducted. A QR monitoring system for vehicles will be initiated this month, integrated with the Punjab Safe Cities Authority. The latest gas analyzers will be installed in Lahore to monitor smoke emissions. An energy audit plan for all major government and private sector energy plants has been included under the Punjab Zero Emission Program, she further said. Meanwhile, the implementation of a program to transition all government buildings to solar energy has also been targeted. Local-level incentives and encouragement will be provided for solar panel manufacturing in the province, said Marriyum Aurangzeb. The chief minister has set a target to enforce a ban on plastic bags starting June 6.

Additionally, initiatives have been planned to mitigate smoke emissions from industries and the burning of crops and agricultural waste in various districts including Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Narowal. Measures such as prohibiting the use of non-standard fuel in industries and establishing a fuel testing laboratory by Dec 31 have been outlined. Farmers will be provided with modern machinery for crop disposal and encouraged to engage in bio-fuel and bio-coal projects, the senior minister disclosed.

Efforts to enhance environmental consciousness will include providing awareness campaigns and incentives for adopting modern blending techniques. A complete ban on single-use plastic in Lahore is slated for June 6, with plans to dedicate 50% of roadside footpaths and plant 20 thousand trees in the city by specific deadlines. Housing societies near key infrastructures will also be targeted for tree-planting initiatives.

The government aims to complete the initial phase of waste reduction, air quality improvement, and increased greenery by June 30. Educational reforms will incorporate climate change and environmental studies, along with internship opportunities. Transitioning kilns to modern zigzag technology is among the targeted goals.

An institutional framework for smog action planning will be prepared within three months by Planning and Development. Implementation strategies will include establishing a track and trace system across sectors, reconstituting the cabinet committee on smog and forming a smog taskforce. Regular review meetings, led by the CM or designated representatives, will monitor progress and ensure the timely execution of plans.

Efforts will be made to accelerate the Punjab Green Project, enhance engagement with domestic and international stakeholders and streamline environmental legislation, she added.

The Senior Minister also announced the launch of a comprehensive awareness campaign targeting various sectors, including citizens, farmers, industries, and students. The initiative will involve a thorough review of environmental laws and regulations, with necessary amendments to strengthen environmental protection measures.

Furthermore, plans are in place to initiate plantation and green development projects in three major cities, alongside the establishment of smog coordination units in government departments and smog committees in selected districts. An air quality index app will also be introduced to raise citizen awareness about clean air and smog-related issues. The government emphasizes the urgent need for collective action from all stakeholders to address the alarming levels of air pollution in Lahore, she concluded.