Lahore Smog: 10 traffic zones identified for immediate action

By Samiullah Randhawa

Lahore: In a proactive move to combat the persistent smog issue, authorities have identified 10 key hotspots in Lahore where routine traffic congestion significantly contributes to the smog problem.

These hotspots are part of 55 traffic congestion points across the city that are known to exacerbate smog conditions in the provincial capital.

This information was shared during a meeting chaired by Lahore Commissioner Zaid Bin Maqsood, attended by EPCCD Secretary Raja Jahangir Anwar, EPA DG Imran Hamid, CTO Ammara Athar, and other relevant officials.

The meeting highlighted that the Chief Minister’s Roadmap team, in collaboration with the Safe City Authority, pinpointed these 10 critical areas in the city that experience heavy traffic loads. These locations are particularly prone to severe traffic jams, which contribute significantly to smog during the winter months.

The Commissioner emphasized that while there are multiple causes of smog, traffic congestion remains a primary factor. To address this, all relevant departments have been tasked with taking immediate action to alleviate the situation at these 10 hotspots. "Smog not only poses a serious threat to public health but also disrupts business activities in the city," the Commissioner noted.

The meeting also discussed how illegal and improper parking, along with road encroachments, impede traffic flow, further aggravating the smog issue.