Smog to engulf major cities of Punjab

LAHORE : The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicted on Friday that smog would continue to prevail in Lahore and major cities of Punjab in next 24 hours.

Other district affected by smog include Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Kasur, Okara, Bahawalpur, Multan and their surroundings regions.

Continental air prevails over most parts of Pakistan, it said. Lahore's maximum temperature will likely remain between 33-35°C today (Saturday). Sargodha remained the hottest place in Punjab where the maximum temperature was recorded at 35°C. Maximum temperature in Sahiwal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan and Bahawalpur was recorded at 34°C. In Lahore, maximum temperature was recorded at 33°C. Relative humidity in the evening was recorded at 37 per cent.

Meanwhile, implementation of multi-sectoral action plan of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for dealing with crucial issue of smog is under way currently.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said on Friday that on the direction of CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif, disinfected water is being sprinkled on roads in the smog hotspot area of Lahore, including Shimla Pahari and surroundings. The purpose of the measure is to reduce effects of smog in the area. There is a reduction in air pollution, Abbott Road, Gulistan Chowk, Haji Camp, Empress Road and other adjacent areas are also being disinfected by spraying water. Marriyum advised people to call 1373 to report immediately where air pollution was high anywhere around Shimla Hill Green Ring so that timely action could be taken. She said that an operation was conducted to eliminate encroachment on Haji Camp and Empress Road, where vendor-carts were taken into custody while temporary sheds were put down. Likewise, parking outside the Nadra office has been shifted, the EPA lab team are regularly monitoring gas emissions from power generators at its offices on Empress Road, she informed. She further said that squads have extinguished a massive garbage fire in the city and three FIRs have been registered.