NCHR takes suo motu notice of smog

LAHORE : In a significant move, the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) has taken suo motu cognisance of the alarming levels of air pollution in the provincial capital, which is severely affecting the health of City’s 14 million residents.

The NCHR took the suo motu cognisance at a hearing held at the NCHR Lahore office. Member (Punjab) Nadeem Ashraf led the hearing which was attended by senior officials including, Secretary of the Environment Protection and Climate Change Department Jahangir Anwar, the director general of industries and other relevant officers. During the hearing, Ashraf expressed deep concern over the ongoing air quality crisis and noted that a comprehensive scientific study identifying the key contributors to the city’s smog has not yet been completed. He directed the Environment Protection Department to fast-track the completion of the study, stressing the need for a scientific approach to address the root causes of air pollution in the region.

The NCHR also urged the departments concerned to adopt a more proactive stance in combating major sources of pollution, such as crop burning, vehicle emissions, and industrial violations of environmental laws. Ashraf highlighted the importance of enforcing strict regulations on industrial units and emphasised that the Transport Department must ensure strict action against smoke-emitting vehicles, including those owned by govt entities like the Lahore Solid Waste Management Company.

In addition, the NCHR called on the secretary of the Environment Protection Department to submit recommendations regarding the quality of fuel being used in the city. These recommendations will be forwarded to the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) for further scrutiny and action.

The Member (Punjab) also urged the government to consider expanding mass transit options to reduce traffic congestion and, by extension, lower emissions from vehicles. The NCHR’s intervention underscored the urgency of addressing air pollution problem of the city. With the winter season approaching, when smog levels typically worsen, the commission has called for immediate and coordinated action to protect the public from the harmful effects of air pollution.

Punjab CBD launches initiative to improve air quality

Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), in a significant step to address the persistent issue of smog in the provincial capital, has launched an extensive initiative aimed at environmental preservation and air quality improvement. In line with its commitment to sustainable urban development, CBD Punjab is implementing multiple proactive measures to combat smog and enhance the region’s green cover.

Under this comprehensive plan, CBD Punjab has initiated a large-scale plantation drive across its development area. This campaign is designed to increase the green cover, which plays a crucial role in filtering the air, capturing dust particles and contributing to a healthier urban environment.

In addition to its plantation efforts, CBD Punjab is also implementing measures on construction sites to curb dust emissions, one of the primary contributors to air pollution. Regular water sprinkling is being carried out at CBD Punjab construction zones to reduce dust clouds and particulate matter, aiming to maintain healthier air quality and minimise airborne pollutants.

Another significant step in CBD Punjab's environmental strategy is the designation of substantial green areas within its development zones, as outlined in the authority’s building regulations and master plan.

Commenting on these initiatives, CBD Punjab CEO Imran Amin said, "Our commitment to Lahore's future drives us to take meaningful actions today. This plantation drive is part of our larger mission to create a healthier, greener Lahore and will serve as a powerful tool in our fight against smog in the coming years".