Chief Secretary takes measures to control smog across Punjab

LAHORE: As part of measures to control smog, Mr Kamran Ali Afzal, Chief Secretary, Punjab, directed the relevant departments to take action against individuals and industries causing environmental pollution.

Mr Kamran Ali Afzal, Chief Secretary of Punjab, issued the direction during a meeting held at the Civil Secretariat. The additional chief secretary (Home Department), administrative secretaries of various departments including environment, industries, agriculture, local government, and officials concerned participated in the meeting.
 
Mr Kamran Ali Afzal, Chief Secretary of Punjab, asked the secretaries of the departments concerned to take strict action against those causing air and environmental pollution -  industrial and vehicular emissions,  burning crop stubble, and garbage. He said that to mitigate the factors behind smog; there is a need to adopt preventive measures and enhance awareness.
 
Mr Kamran Ali Afzal, Chief Secretary of Punjab, directed that the ban on using substandard fuel in steel mills and factories be strictly enforced. He said that all the provincial departments should work in tandem on the smog issue, adding that progress in this regard would be reviewed regularly. The Chief Secretary also instructed the formation of special squads to check industrial units and brick kilns.
 
The secretary environment protection department gave a detailed briefing at the meeting. He said that an action plan had been prepared to control smog. According to a study, 43 per cent of contributors to air pollution are from the transport sector, 25 per cent from industry, 12 per cent from power, and 20 per cent from the agriculture sector. This year, more than 4000 industrial units were inspected, 79 cases were registered, 19 people were arrested, and 88 units were sealed. Similarly, 11,000 brick kilns were inspected, 736 cases were registered, and 19 people were arrested. The authorities also took action against 29,200 smoke-emitting vehicles, lodging 7,000 FIRs and impounding 17,600 vehicles.