The Provincial Minister for EPD M. Rizwan chaired an important meeting at the committee room of the department on Monday to review steps taken by department combat smog. The secretary EPD Salman Ijaz briefed to the Minister that after implantation of smog action plan, Smoke emitting industry temporarily shutdown, Kiln closure implemented beginning November, completely ban imposed on the burning of the residue of crops and also decided to evolve an effective and people-friendly strategy for the smoke-emitting vehicles, A campaign on social media being launched to create awareness about the damage caused to the environment by the burning of solid waste also a campaign launched awareness among people about the prevention of smog. DG EPD Tanveer Waraich said that in the districts of red zone Section 144 imposed, the burning of crop residue and garbage banned and only the new zigzag technology brick kilns allowed to operate. He further said that the environment department had also banned construction of new brick kilns having the BTK technology and a final deadline being given to transfer brick kilns on new technology till December 31 of 2020. He said the ZigZag brick kilns would be allowed as they would reduce environmental pollution by 70% and use of coal by 30%. Director EPD Naseem-ul-Rehman told the meeting that there are more than 300 rolling mills but issue of smog is in the Northern Lahore due to Industrial area, while Gujranwala and Sheikhupura also infected due to industries, till now action has been taken against 205 factories after violation and mostly cases forwarded to tribunal. He further briefed that to checking vehicles 26 computerized units being established and Air quality data on website being daily updated, smoke emitting vehicles being fined and vehicle manufacturers being engaged for improved emission control devices. The minister said in order to mitigate the factors behind smog, there is a need to adopt preventive measure and increase awareness. He directed to ensure all relevant departments to strictly implement the instructions on smog control. He remarked that no negligence would be tolerated and controlling environmental pollution is a service to humanity. On this occasion Secretary, DG and all the concerned officers of the department were present.
