LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to take action against smoke-emitting and pollution-causing vehicles operated by government departments as part of a broader campaign to control air pollution.
A meeting chaired by Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb reviewed measures to tackle pollution and discussed preparations for the rice harvesting season. The meeting was also briefed on a plan to provide 10,000 super seeders to farmers before the rice crop harvesting period.
During the meeting, authorities decided to launch a crackdown on government vehicles that emit excessive smoke or contribute to air pollution. Action will also be taken against industries causing pollution, smoke-emitting vehicles, and individuals who burn crop residues.
The government has emphasized the need for government departments to lead by example in efforts to improve air quality. Polluting vehicles operated by public-sector departments will be taken off the roads as part of the enforcement campaign.
The meeting also focused on the harmful practice of burning waste and plastic. It was decided that people found burning garbage or plastic would face heavy fines. Officials said strict action would be taken to discourage waste burning, which contributes significantly to unhealthy air quality.
The government further decided that the contract of a Suthra Punjab company found involved in waste burning could be cancelled. Legal action will also be taken against employees found responsible for burning garbage.
Another important decision was to use Safe City cameras to monitor activities that contribute to pollution. Authorities will use surveillance systems to identify people involved in waste burning and other activities that violate environmental regulations.
The meeting also addressed environmental standards in barbecue areas and food streets. Authorities were instructed to ensure that restaurants, barbecue outlets, and food streets comply with environmental protection standard operating procedures.
Restaurants that fail to follow the required environmental SOPs may be sealed under the enforcement campaign.
The measures come as Lahore and several other cities across Punjab continue to face serious air pollution. The provincial government has been working on a range of measures aimed at reducing smog and improving air quality, particularly during periods when pollution levels increase.
The issue of crop-residue burning is also a major concern during the rice harvesting season. Farmers sometimes burn agricultural waste after harvesting, releasing smoke and fine particles into the atmosphere. The government’s plan to provide 10,000 super seeders is intended to help farmers manage crop residues without burning them.
Super seeders can help farmers deal with leftover rice straw while preparing fields for the next crop, reducing the need to burn agricultural residues. The government hopes that wider access to such equipment will contribute to reducing smoke and smog during the harvesting season.
The crackdown will therefore cover several sources of pollution, including government vehicles, private smoke-emitting vehicles, industrial units, crop-residue burning, garbage burning, and non-compliant restaurants and food businesses.
Officials have been directed to strengthen monitoring and enforcement so that environmental regulations are not limited to announcements but are implemented on the ground.
The use of Safe City cameras is expected to provide authorities with an additional mechanism for identifying violations and taking action. Heavy fines and legal proceedings could serve as deterrents against waste burning and other activities that contribute to deteriorating air quality.
The Punjab government has also stressed the importance of ensuring compliance with environmental SOPs at restaurants, particularly establishments operating barbecue facilities and food streets. Businesses that violate these standards could face closure.
The decisions announced at the meeting reflect a multi-pronged approach to tackling air pollution in Lahore and other parts of Punjab. Instead of focusing on a single source, the government intends to target vehicle emissions, industrial pollution, agricultural burning, waste burning, and violations by commercial establishments.
With pollution remaining a major environmental and public concern in Lahore, authorities are expected to intensify inspections and enforcement in the coming period. The effectiveness of the campaign will depend on consistent implementation, monitoring, and action against violators.
The government says these measures are aimed at reducing pollution, controlling smog, protecting the environment, and improving air quality for residents across Punjab.
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