There was a time when winters in Punjab specially in Lahore came with soft hues of cold breeze, vibrant colors of autumn and serene palette of whites, greens and soft blues, undergoing a magical metamorphosis. However, as time progressed, a disheartening transformation unfolded casting a somber shadow over Lahore’s once magical winters. A formidable whammy known as ‘SMOG’ emerged to replace this ethereal ambiance that once defined the season.
This environmental menace born from the cocktail of smoke, fog and pollutants has infiltrated the air, obscured the once-clear skies, transforming it into the haze maze in the province. Air Quality Index (AQI) has slipped down in Punjab which in turn has urged the provincial government to unleash a perfect battle against SMOG.
The Efforts
Ibrahim Hasan Murad, the caretaker minister for Transport in Punjab, has provided details on the government’s efforts to address the issue of smoke-emitting vehicles. Official data indicates that over 1700 vehicles have been seized, and a fine of Rs. 80 million has been imposed in the past few weeks to combat air pollution.
In a statement to a local media outlet, Minister Murad disclosed that, out of 71,000 vehicles inspected, 5.6 percent were found to be in violation of government directives on emissions reduction, emitting smoke.
Additionally, the Punjab Transport Authority Enforcement Wing is taking stringent measures against vehicles affiliated with private schools, colleges, and universities. Minister Murad highlighted motorcycles as the primary contributors to pollution.
Interestingly, unlike other impounded vehicles, motorcyclists, primarily from the labor class, receive only fines and warnings. Murad also mentioned the government’s use of cloud seeding to enhance the likelihood of rainfall.
With an improvement in the Air Quality Index (AQI), Punjab has decided to lift the smart lockdown implemented to address smog-related concerns. Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the decision on X (formerly Twitter), stating that it was made after consulting with experts and the Punjab environment department.
