Smog situation: Smart lockdown imposed in three Punjab divisions for four days

LAHORE: An environmental and health emergency has been declared in Lahore, Gujranwala, and Hafizabad divisions for four days due to the prevailing smog conditions.

Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi made the announcement during a Tuesday evening press conference when the air quality index (AQI) in the city measured 390, falling under the category of hazardous.

At this AQI level, the city maintained its position as one of the most polluted cities with citizens experiencing a hazy and smoggy atmosphere throughout the day. The air quality was severely poor, making it nearly impossible to breathe normally outdoors.

Naqvi addressed the media, highlighting discussions in a detailed cabinet meeting. The meeting revealed that schoolchildren were experiencing eye and respiratory problems due to the prevailing conditions.

The cabinet was informed that four times more crop burning was occurring in India than in Pakistan, contributing to the challenges faced by the region.

Decisions made during the meeting included the implementation of Section 144 in three districts of Punjab, along with the closure of schools, colleges, and all government departments. Additionally, a holiday on November 9 was declared, resulting in the closure of educational institutions and government offices from Thursday to Sunday in specific districts, including Lahore division, Wazirabad, Gujranwala, and Nankana Sahib.

As part of the emergency measures, markets will be closed for two days (Saturday and Sunday), while restaurants and cinemas will be closed on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. However, certain essential services like bakeries, pharmacies, marriage halls, public transport, and takeaway restaurants will remain operational, while parks will remain closed.

Naqvi urged citizens to wear face masks and asked them to give Lahore some respite by staying indoors during this period. He emphasised that these measures were temporary and would be strictly enforced, with strict actions against violators.

In efforts to curb air pollution, there is a possibility of rain on November 9, 2023, according to the caretaker chief minister. Noting the closure of schools in Delhi, he stressed the seriousness of the situation.

As a precautionary measure under the health and environmental emergency, the Lahore Festival has also been canceled.

Meanwhile, a report released by the commissioner of Lahore Division revealed that in the past 17 days, 9,972 vehicles emitting smoke were issued fines totaling Rs2 crore, with 3,809 vehicles impounded. Operations were conducted by 10 teams from excise, traffic, and transport departments through various checkpoints and inspections in Lahore Division.

Additionally, 1,119 industrial units were inspected, resulting in the sealing of 119 units for emission control violations. Furthermore, 1,190 kilns in Lahore Division were under scrutiny, with 73 kilns were penalised for irregularities. Water sprinkling measures were ongoing across the city, focusing on 38 roads and development project sites, while 51 pyrolysis plants in the division were closed and under monitoring.

Efforts to enforce the ban on burning crop residue, garbage, and green waste led to inspections and fines by Motorway Squads, with 23 cases registered and fines imposed on violators along specific routes in Lahore Division.