Smog triggers health emergency in Lahore, Multan

LAHORE: The Punjab government has declared a health emergency in Lahore and Multan, with extended outpatient department (OPD) hours until 8pm.

Schools in the province will observe extended holidays, while universities and higher secondary institutions will transition to online classes

This was stated by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb in a crucial press conference on Friday.

She said that smog has escalated into a national disaster, adversely affecting multiple districts in Punjab. She said fog has merged with smog this season, further exacerbating health hazards. The absence of fog during other parts of the year often conceals the presence of smog.

Referring to the 10-year anti-smog plan initiated in March by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Marriyum Aurangzeb said that all departments have been assigned specific targets to combat this menace. She recently met with members of the Supreme Court’s Smog Commission to discuss ongoing efforts and expressed her intention to personally brief the judiciary.

Marriyum Aurangzeb highlighted the health disaster posed by smog, citing the World Health Organisation’s recommendations, which the government has been implementing for the past eight months. Additional measures will be taken to address gaps and ensure that sectoral targets are met.

Key Measures Undertaken:

Agricultural Interventions: For the first time, the agriculture department has provided 1,000 super seeders to farmers at a 60% subsidy. These are now available for rental use.

Technological Solutions: Initiatives such as the Air Quality Index (AQI), mass transit programmes, and bio-refineries are underway. Factories are being assisted with emission control systems through subsidised loans.

Industrial Regulation: 800 brick kilns have been demolished, and efforts to expand Lahore’s forest cover are ongoing.

Vehicle Fitness: Three vehicle fitness certification stations have been established at Kala Shah Kaku and Thokar Niaz Baig. Smoke detection analysers have been provided to traffic police, while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been equipped with surveillance systems and environmental technology.

Appeal: Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb appealed to journalists and citizens to actively support the government’s efforts against smog. She stressed the importance of public cooperation and highlighted that constructive criticism offers valuable insights for improvement.

Emergency Actions: A health emergency has been declared in Lahore and Multan, with extended outpatient department (OPD) hours until 8pm. Hospitals have been provided with essential medicines for respiratory illnesses, and ambulances have been equipped with breathing apparatus.

School and Office Adjustments: Schools in Punjab will observe extended holidays, while universities and higher secondary institutions will transition to online classes. Private and government offices will operate with 50% of staff working from home.

Construction Ban: Construction activities in Lahore and Multan have been suspended for 10 days due to concerns over fugitive dust, with restrictions on the transport of construction materials at entry points.

Weekend Lockdowns and SOPs: A complete lockdown will be enforced in Lahore and Multan on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Restaurants will be limited to takeaway services after 4pm. Compliance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be crucial for construction projects to resume.

Public Campaigns and Monitoring: Marriyum Aurangzeb announced a detox campaign, encouraging participation from citizens, artists, and the media. Citizens are urged to report violations via the Green App and hotline 1373. Smog-related data will guide future actions, and additional monitoring equipment is being procured.

She stressed that smog is a life-threatening issue and urged all stakeholders to work collectively. Political rivalry has no place in addressing this crisis. The government is also working to expand green cover under an international-standard ‘Green Master Plan.’

INP adds: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday directed the Punjab government to formulate a long-term policy to address smog. Justice Shahid Karim heard consolidated applications concerning the reduction of smog. Punjab Advocate General Khalid Ishaq Khan appeared before the court.

Justice Karim instructed the Punjab AG to convey a message to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz upon her return from London, asking her to establish a policy for smog control spanning at least ten years.

Justice Karim praised the government for its initiatives but suggested that the government should also impose a ban on the development of sprawling housing societies on agricultural land.

Meanwhile, the court asked the Punjab AG to assist the court by studying the Beijing model for smog control and submitting an implementation report. The hearing was adjourned until next week.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has successfully experimented the indigenous technology of artificial rain here on Friday.

With this experiment, Punjab once again proved its lead in the field of technology. Rain in Jhelum and Gujjar Khan occurred as a result of ‘seed clouding’ in Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang and Gujjar Khan, the Meteorological Department confirmed.

‘Cloud seeding’ was done at 2pm, after which there was a rain Jhelum and Gujar Khan after a few hours, experts said. The effects of ‘cloud seeding’ have a strong possibility of raining at Lahore too, experts claimed. Artificial rain will go a long way in reducing smog, they say.

Pakistan Army’s Scientific Research and Development (SPD), Army Aviation, PARCO, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Punjab Government have successfully achieved the artificial rain project.